Moonbounces, helicopters, cool vehicles and bomb-sniffing dogs — these are just a few of the attractions in store for those attending this Saturday's open house at the Sully District Police Station.
It's an event for the whole family and will run from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Adults can visit the displays and demonstrations, while children enjoy a fun-filled day of face painting, slides and other activities along with popcorn, cotton candy and sno cones.
ATTENDEES ARE welcome to chat with the various officers and ask them questions, and the station's commander and assistant commander, Capt. Susan Culin and Lt. J.D. Call, respectively, will be on hand to greet them.
"The purpose is to have the community see the type of resources we have and to establish a better partnership and relationship with the citizens," explained police Sgt. Mike Grinnan, in charge of the event.
There'll be two moonbounces — one each for older and younger children, and the National Rifle Association's Eddie Eagle mascot will swoop down for a visit. And the Seatbelt Convincer will shake up passengers in a simulated ride illustrating the importance of wearing seatbelts.
Fairfax County police SWAT and dive teams will display their equipment, and the bike and motorcycle teams will each ride through traffic-cone courses. The Sheriff's Department and the Metro Transit Police will each bring a cruiser and a motorcycle.
A DWI simulation is also planned. "People will wear goggles to simulate how things look to a drunk driver," said Grinnan. "Then they'll try to drive a battery-operated car through a traffic-cone course." In addition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will have an information table.
The police bomb squad and a bomb-sniffing dog will demonstrate a bomb search, and there'll be a booth where residents may learn how to set up Neighborhood Watches in their own communities. K-9 dogs will also be there, as well as people doing child fingerprinting.
Grinnan's chairing the open house for the second year in a row. "I had a good time last year, and we had a good turnout and got positive feedback from the community," he said. "About 2,000 people came last year, and that was incredible. And I expect the same or better, this year, if the weather holds out."
Parking will be available across Westfields Boulevard at Texas Roadhouse restaurant, the Goddard School and also at Westfield High. Shuttle buses will ferry people between the high school and police station.