Second ‘Kids S.W.A.T.’ planned

SIKESTON — Sikeston Department of Public Safety’s Special Operations Group is bringing back the ultimate test of grit and fun at its second annual Kids S.W.A.T. Challenge.

The Kids S.W.A.T. Challenge will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Sikeston Sports Complex and is open to children ages12 and under. 

Capt. Ryan Smith with Sikeston DPS said last year was DPS’ first year doing the event, and they are excited for it to return this year.

The event consists of the children participating in an obstacle course, meeting officers and seeing some of the equipment used by the Special Operations Group. The event will give children a glimpse of what officers endure during their job.

Smith said the concept came last year from Sikeston DPS Chief James McMillen who wanted to do something within the department’s community involvement program. Smith said as part of that community involvement, DPS wanted to be able to engage with people of all ages.

“What better way with the age group 12 and under than to engage with cool S.W.A.T. stuff?” Smith said. “The kids get to hang out with officers that are on the team and have a great time.” 

Smith said the Kids S.W.A.T. challenge was simply meant to create a good relationship between the children and police officers. 

“It is a positive engagement with the police officers; it’s a positive engagement with the firefighters for all the kids, and if anything, it may set one of them on the course of deciding that’s what they want to do when they grow up,” Smith said. “But for most, it is the positive relationship building they’re having with those police officers.

Smith continued: “These are the police officers that they see at their schools, trying to build that strong relationship with the kids and have their trust, so that the kids know they can come up and engage with them.”

Smith said lunch will also be included and will consist of hotdogs and hamburgers. According to Smith, last year the kids really enjoyed the event, but the obstacle course was by far their favorite.

“The kids absolutely loved it and I know there were some kids out there last year that probably ran that course 20 times,” Smith said. “It was hard to get them pulled away from it to eat lunch.” 

Last year, according to Smith, the children were able to take a tour of the S.W.A.T. vehicle, and the on-duty firefighters crew with their firetruck were present at the event.

Smith said he he intends to arrange for the kids to tour the fire truck this year.

A “dress to impress” SWAT costume contest will also be held for the youngsters, with the first place winner receiving a ride in the patrol car and fire truck at a later date, Smith said.

RSVP to tquillman@sikeston.org to register for the Kids S.W.A.T. Challenge.