Mimosa Aiken of Blawnox watched as her twin boys attempted to stop an O’Hara Township police officer Tuesday evening.

Patrolman Ian Hill had just stolen a basketball and proceeded to showcase his moves on the court.

Andre and Antonio Williams, both 12, could only stand and watch as the officer made a shot moving right to left.

Other players Victor Golalic, 14, of O’Hara and Joey Holmes, 11, of Fox Chapel also chipped in with a few buckets.

After the game, Hill told the youths he had fun playing and encouraged them to stay in school.

“I think it’s nice we can all get together as a community and let the kids see what police are all about, and not to be frightened of them,” Aiken said.

Playing ball was one of several activities O’Hara officers and police from surrounding departments participated in as part of the township’s annual Pizza with the Police event at the community park.

Children got to explore a patrol car and a Parkview EMS squad truck, check out some first responders equipment as well as receive a plastic badge, a wrap-around police cap and a Paw Patrol coloring book. Casa Del Sole provided discounted pizza.

“The goal for these types of things is always to give the community an opportunity to meet and interact with the police in a positive setting (and) promote community oriented policing,” Patrolman Garrett Lynn. “As for my thoughts on the turnout today, I’m just really happy everyone came out. I think this is a staple of our community. Just another opportunity for everybody to come out and talk to us.”

Lukas Thiessen, 2, of Verona was very interested in both emergency vehicles. He turned the wheels, pressed a few buttons and climbed over the seats. The Thiessen family recently moved to Verona from Fox Chapel.

“We come to this park often to play,” said Lukas’ father, Dan Thiessen said. “I think it’s really great that they do this here and give all the kids an opportunity to check out these vehicles. I know my son when he’s sitting in a car and sees one of these vehicles speed by he’s always excited to see it and interested in what’s going on.

“Just the fact that he gets to come in here and see what’s inside of these vehicles is exciting for him. They provided food for everyone and these little kids goodie bags. It’s just really great that they did this.”

Kevan Graves of Fox Chapel said he saw a notice about the event in The Herald and brought his daughter, Shay, 3, to experience it.

“We were coming here and saw activity at the playground,” Graves said. “Always a nice chance to stop out and get some time around people, time around neighbors. It’s great. She’s been going hard after this pizza! She seems very happy. I love seeing what’s happening locally.”

The event had been canceled the past two years due to the pandemic. It was previously held at Lauri Ann West Community Center.

At least 60 people participated this year.

Township Manager Julie Jakubec said everything came together in about a month.

“The main thing is getting a good night scheduled,” she said. “Making sure we have the officers for the shift and to come here and interact with the public. A lot of it is just coordinating schedules.”

Jakubec thanked all the emergency responders and families who came out to the park.

Parkview EMS also did car seat safety checks for anyone who wanted one. The ambulance company loans out car seats to families in need.

“We love interacting with the community,” EMS supervisor Sydney Hussar said. “It’s great to see people not only on their worst day (but) on a good day where we can actually interact and not have to completely do our jobs. You’d be surprised how many car seats get put in incorrectly.”

Hussar said the most common mistake is using a vehicle’s seat belt and the car seat’s latch system together.

She recommends families reach out to the station for the free service. Families can call 412-449-1080 to schedule an appointment.

More information about O’Hara events is available on the township’s website, ohara.pa.us.

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