Lawrence Township Police Department celebrates 100th anniversary

Benjamin Kutnik crawled all over the Lawrence Township Police Department patrol car. He held onto the steering wheel and then grabbed the microphone and pretended to talk to a 911 dispatcher.

“He is a huge fan of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances,” said his mother, Alexandra Kutnik. “He is really excited about exploring the police car.”

The 4-year-old boy and his parents were among the dozens of visitors to the Lawrence Township Police Department’s open house Sept. 10, held in celebration of the police department’s 100th anniversary.

The Lawrence Township Police Department was formally created in 1924. It consisted of Police Chief Joseph Leland Hopkins and six special officers. Today, it is led by Police Chief Christopher Longo. There are approximately 60 police officers.

But back to the centennial celebration and open house.

Besides exploring patrol cars and one of the department’s two motorcycles, parents and children could get up close to the department’s drones.

It was the drone display that drew the attention of 5-year-old Aiden Linton. He was fascinated.

“We have been here a lot of minutes,” Buck Linton said with a smile.

While the patrol cars, the motorcycle and the drones drew lots of attention, so did K9 Officer Brix.

The dog showed great discipline, chewing on a toy bone and allowing visitors – under special circumstances – to pet him.

In addition to displays of Lawrence Township Police Department equipment and tours of headquarters, several civic groups and nonprofit organizations set up tables in the parking lot in front of police headquarters.

Many of those groups would have set up shop at the annual National Night Out event last month, but it was rained out. They were invited to take part in the department’s open house instead.

Longo was pleased with the turnout and described it as a huge success.

It is community events like this that demonstrate the unity and partnership between the police department and the community, Longo said.

“Over the next 100 years, our police officers will continue to be committed to building trust, fostering relationships and ensuring that every resident feels safe and supported,” Longo said.

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