ROME — The Rome Police Department’s Law Enforcement Day event will return in July after being absent the past two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The free, public event will be held at Franklyn’s Field on North James Street from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, according to the announcement by department officials.

This time around, police officials said the event will be more focused on fun community events and interactions with Rome’s finest.

“The restrictions of COVID are lightening up and we feel confident in holding the event,” said Rome Police spokesperson Lt. Sharon Rood.

Law Enforcement Day will feature a Mercy Flight helicopter landing, an animal exhibit from Utica Zoo Mobile, music from The Midnight Riders and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Rood said there will be a new emphasis on officers being
able to interact with the community, with the whole event being more community-focused this year.

There will be basketball and kickball games, a dunk tank and an inflatable obstacle course, department officials added.

“The community can come out and see what we do and meet with the officers, and have a little fun at the same time,” Rood stated.

“It’s good for the officers too, when they can meet the community not on their worst day.”

The event will also feature food vendors, a car show, a child safety seat check and there will be multiple police cars and other emergency vehicles on display.

Officers from the Rome Police Deparmtent will also be on hand for law enforcement vehicles and equipment demonstrations, the event organizers added.

For more information on Law Enforcement Day, contact the Rome Police Department at 315-339-7780.