• Free community event July 18th brings residents and first responders together for an afternoon of safety education, games, food and family fun
• Chief Todd Bettison and Commissioner Chuck Simms are available for interviews ahead of the event

The Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department are inviting residents of all ages to join them for our inaugural Public Safety Fun Day, a free community celebration designed to strengthen relationships between first responders and the neighborhoods they proudly serve.

The event will take place Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Palmer Park Bandshell, 1441 W. Seven Mile Road, and will feature hands-on safety demonstrations, family-friendly activities, free food and refreshments, music and opportunities to meet Detroit police officers and firefighters in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

"Public safety is one of the top priorities for Detroiters and a cornerstone of my administration," said Mayor Mary Sheffield. "Building a safer Detroit means more than responding to emergencies—it means investing in relationships, creating opportunities for positive engagement and ensuring every resident feels connected to the public servants who are here to protect them. Events like Public Safety Fun Day help strengthen trust, bring neighbors together and remind us we're all working toward the same goal: a safer, stronger Detroit."

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said community engagement remains one of the Department's most effective public safety tools. "One of the greatest parts of this job isn't just protecting the people of Detroit—it's spending time with them, listening to them and building relationships," Bettison said. "Our Walk a Mile Wednesdays have been an incredible success because they give us the opportunity to meet residents where they are and have real conversations. Public Safety Fun Day is another chance to connect with families, have some fun together and continue strengthening the partnerships that make our neighborhoods safer."

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said opportunities to engage outside of emergency situations help build stronger communities. "Our firefighters and EMS personnel are always ready to answer the call when our residents need us most, but it's just as important that we connect with our community before an emergency happens," Simms said. "Whether it's Public Safety Fun Day, Fire Prevention Week events held throughout our neighborhoods each fall, or community safety programs year-round, these interactions help us educate residents, build trust and show the people we serve that we're their partners every day—not just on their worst day."

Residents attending Public Safety Fun Day can look forward to a full afternoon of activities, including:

• Hands-only CPR training
• Meet Detroit police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel
• Information about careers with the Detroit Police Department
• Gun safety education
• Voter registration opportunities
• Radon testing information
• City safety alert sign-up assistance
• Field day competitions, including sack races and tug-of-war
• Basketball, fowling and cornhole
• Bounce houses and inflatable attractions
• Live DJ and music
• Free food and refreshments

The event is free and open to the public. Parking, including accessible parking, will be available at the Detroit Police Department's 12th Precinct and the Detroit Exploration and Nature Center.

The Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department encourage local media to help spread the word so families from across the city can take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet the men and women who serve them while enjoying an afternoon of fun, education and community.