Oceanside Police Department Officer Munoz talks to community members at the “Hug the police” event in Oceanside. Photo: Gina Yarbrough/San Diego County News
OCEANSIDE–Oceanside city leaders and north county residents Wednesday gathered in the Oceanside Police Department parking lot for a community celebration to thank police officers for their service.
Residents brought sandwiches, cookies, pizza, donuts, beverages and other snacks to the one-hour festive event.
Organizers say the “Hug a Police” community event was an opportunity for north county residents to show their appreciation to police officers with a hug.
Oceanside resident Paul McQuigg organized the community celebration in 48 hours through social media and email. He says the event was held in response to the deadly shootings in Texas which claimed the lives of five Dallas police officers.
“Everybody wants to say thank you to a police officer…they love what they do and this gives people an opportunity to come out to the community, and say thank you to these police officers for everyday coming out, putting their lives on the line for the community,” said McQuigg. “The take pride in this community and sometimes it’s hard to find the opportunity to say thank you. So we decided that we would say thank you for everything they do on a daily basis.”
More than 100 were in attendance, including fire department personnel, Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, Councilmembers Esther Sanchez, Jack Feller and Jerome Kern.
Organizers told residents to take photos with police officers, and spread the hashtag, #hugthepolice on social media. The goal is to create a national movement of support for police throughout the United States.
“This is an outreach from the Oceanside citizens to the Oceanside police department letting them know that we appreciate everything they do,” said Steve Hasty, the event’s DJ.
On Sunday, the Friends of Oceanside Parks will host “Honor Our Police Day” concert from 4 to 6 p.m. at Heritage Park, 220 Peyri Drive in Oceanside.
