Annandale Cub Scouts have enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the Annandale Police Department’s Training Center in recent weeks.
Sarah Sneller, den leader for the group and the owner of the Annandale Vet Clinic, said about 20 total scouts visited the site on two different occasions. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the police officers, learning about their jobs and looking over their equipment.
"The kids had an amazing time and they learned so much," said Sneller. "I can’t say enough about how impressed we are and how supportive (Police Chief Jeff Herr) has been and all the officers of the community. It’s just been fantastic."
Herr and officers Nancy Engfer and Brian Rogge hosted the most recent group.
"It’s crucial that we develop relationships with the kids in our community in a positive light instead of when it may be a negative thing," Herr said. "We want to develop that positive relationship with the kids."
The officers talked about their jobs, the different types of training they go through, the tools they use, gun safety, fingerprinting, crime scene investigating, and allowed the scouts to tour vehicles, the shoot house and the rest of the facility.
Sneller said she was grateful that the officers would volunteer their time on two separate nights, and put such effort into making the visit special for the kids.
"It’s just amazing that they took the time to do it," she said. "They donated their time, and you could tell they wanted to do it. They spent over an hour and a half with each group, which is pretty impressive. The parents got just as much out of it as the kids. (The Annandale Police) are a phenomenal group and we’re really lucky to have them."