"Touch a Truck"
On Sunday, June 25, 2017, the city of Durham hosted a “Touch a Truck Event,” which provided children with the opportunity to gain an educational experience through a more hands-on approach. During this event children were given the opportunity to see and explore a variety of trucks from various agencies within the Durham community, such as the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bahama Fire Department, the Lebanon Fire Department, the Durham Fire Department, the Biological Chemical Emergency Response Team (BCERT), and the Durham County EMS, to name a few.
Amongst the crowd was Officer Hollingsworth with BCERT, Sergeant Ellis with Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT), Deputy Bradford, and Officer Burress with the Durham Police Mobile Command Unit – all of which are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of either apprehending criminals, preventing gang violence, securing anonymous packages, or discovering bodies and/or weapons that have been dumped in the water. While attending the event, children and/or parents not only had the opportunity to participate in activities, enjoy good food, and explore the inside and outside of each truck, but they had the chance to interact with the officers, deputies, sergeants, etc. who were friendly and eager to inform.
“The Durham Police Mobile Command Unit is what we utilize when we have a critical incident, such as a homicide, armed robbery, gas leak, [etc.]; we set up mobile headquarters where the captains, lieutenants, and whoever else who needs to be at this incident, are close by,” says Officer Burress who wanted to specifically clarify the purpose of this unit. He further explained that this Command Unit serves as a way for the community to become involved by reporting any criminal activity that they witness. By providing this information, citizens may be given a cash reward if that information turns out to be truthful.
Moreover, Sergeant Ellis strives to bring awareness to GREAT by speaking at schools and informing young adults about the seriousness of gang violence while instilling in them positive relationships among their peers, families, and others within their community – the goal, to create a safer environment for children to grow up and parents to be able to raise their children.