Marshall County deputies build community connections through Play in the Park program

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky. (KBSI) — Marshall County deputies spent time playing games and interacting with local children as part of the county’s Play in the Park program, an initiative designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The program, a partnership between the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the parks department, encourages children to stay active during the summer while giving them an opportunity to meet deputies outside of emergency situations.

Sheriff Matt Hilbrecht said the events help create positive interactions that can shape how young people view law enforcement.

“It’s just a good opportunity for us to be able to get out there and have good interaction, a positive interaction with the kids,” Hilbrecht said. “They get to know us and see us as just human beings.”

Hilbrecht said the program began after he took office in 2023 and looked for additional ways to engage with the community. Since then, the events have been held at parks throughout Marshall County and have continued to attract children from across the area.

Community members also voiced support for the effort through the FOX23 NOW app. One citizen journalist who shared video from the event said strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve are essential.

“These events won’t fix everything, but they most assuredly can help bridge the gap,” the viewer wrote.

Hilbrecht said his primary goal is to help children feel comfortable approaching law enforcement officers when they need help.

“Number one, that officers are not scary or frightening,” Hilbrecht said. “We want kids to know that we’re safe to come to, to talk to when they have problems.”

He said those connections can be especially important if a child ever finds themselves in a difficult situation or becomes the victim of a crime.

The Play in the Park program will continue throughout June, with upcoming events including a Water Fun with Fire Trucks activity at Aurora Community Park on June 17 and a Splash Party and Fishing event at Mike Miller Park on June 24. Both events are free and include lunch for participating children accompanied by an adult.

Marshall County officials say information about future Play in the Park events will be shared through the sheriff’s office and parks department social media pages.