The Nether Providence Police Department was a main attraction Saturday at the township’s Family Fun Day.
Just ask Gavin, 4, who adorably commanded attention with his cardboard police cap.
Or Gavin’s enthusiastic cousins, Thomas and Abigail, both 5 and equally sweet. Or 8-year-old Julian, who struggled to decide which fidget toy to take home and finally chose the purple octopus.
“Thank you,” Julian said with a shy, singsong voice.      
For three hours, Chief David Splain, Sgt. Matt Liss, Detectives James Irey and Steve Kilian, Traffic Safety Officer Kevin Smith and Officer James Williams greeted visitors of all ages, handed out goodies and posed for photographs. Sgt. Michael Worrell was on duty and made a cameo appearance.
The annual event turned Strath Haven Middle School's upper parking lot into a carnival playground with food, music, games, vendors, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, and more.
NPPD’s display sat between the Strath Haven High School Swimming and Diving and the Garden City Fire Department. Takeaways this year included a variety of fidget toys, bubble wands, temporary tattoos, cardstock police hats, sticky wall climbers and candy galore. Marked NPPD cruisers and a unique off-road vehicle were also on display, drawing the curiosity of attendees, like 8-year-old Victoria.  
Victoria thought the off-road vehicle, a Polaris, was cool.
Chief Splain walked through the “midway,” mingling with vendors, shaking hands and chatting with residents and others, including Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Dr. Russell D. Johnston. At one point, he shared some laughs with township Commissioners Robert O’Connor, and state Rep. Leeanne Krueger, when they stopped by the NPPD display.
Everyone was happy to see our friend, Mamadou Diallo, and his ice cream truck.  
“Family Fun Day is a wonderful example of the community spirit that makes Nether Providence special,” Chief Splain said. “For our officers, sharing a laugh with residents, seeing the kids smile, and getting to know the families we serve are what it’s all about. Those everyday connections build trust and strengthen our community.”


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