MADEIRA — Cincinnati Mounted Patrol Police Officer Cindy Suiter and her police horse, Justice, galloped across the field, made a sharp turn and pulled up in front of the young cheering, clapping campers.

Cincinnati Mounted Patrol Police Officer Cindy Suiter rides Justice during the Madeira Police Department Safety Camp at McDonald Commons Thursday. (Glenn Hartong photos) | ZOOM |

        Officer Suiter's demonstration was part of the daylong Madeira Police Department Safety Camp held Thursday at McDonald Commons. Geared for children ages 8-10, the camp featured more than a half-dozen activities designed to teach kids about police officers, firefighters, emergencies and safety.

        About 30 children attended.

        “We got to see how police officers handle (their) dogs,” said Ashley Kemp, 9, of Madeira. “We got to see the inside of a fire truck and also a police car.”

        Other demonstrations came from the Hamilton County Police Association Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, police canines, a bike patrol and the Madeira & Indian Hill Fire Department.

        Discussions touched on drug safety, 911, how to deal with strangers and peer pressure.

Maria Manfredi, 10, tries on the helmet normally worn by Hamilton County Police Association SWAT Team member (and Indian Hill Ranger) Dave Schweppe. | ZOOM |

        “They're very impressionable at this age,” Madeira Police Officer Christina Herrera said. “I want them to see us besides just being inside the cruisers. The biggest thing is that they (gain) more knowledge about safety.”

        While safety lessons were a priority, there was plenty fun thrown in, too. Occasionally the adults brought out huge squirt guns for the kids, and the campers ran around the park during breaks. The fire department set up its aerial ladder and used the huge nozzle to drench the kids with water.

        “What great community service,” said Ashley's mother, Robin Kemp. “It gives them all the aspects of police and fire.”

        The camp activities are hands-on to hold the kids' attention, Officer Herrera said. “If you just preach to them, they're not going to listen.”

        The Madeira Police Department has held the camp for about 10 years. Thursday's was the second of two sessions this year. Officials are exploring ways to make the camp larger and include older kids.

        “To me I think the biggest benefit is we can show our kids that police officers are really good guys,” Madeira Police Chief Frank Maupin said.

        “They're more comfortable with being able to approach a police officer.”

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