About 800 Westsiders lined streets from Price Hill to Westwood Sunday to thank Cincinnati police and firefighters at the second annual Hands Across District 3 rally.

Westwood Neighborhood Officer Barbara Winstead hands out candy Sunday at Montana and Boudinot avenues. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

        Many of the residents who packed sidewalks waved American flags and wore Hands Across District 3 T-shirts. They said they wanted more cooperation from police and city officials to help reduce serious crime, which has risen in Price Hill and Westwood this year.

        “I've lived here all my life and it's never been this bad,” said Price Hill resident Tim Renner. “Police get the support but sometimes it seems like their hands are tied. Everybody needs to help out. They can't be everywhere at once.”

        The encouragement enthused police and firefighters, who rode in trucks and waved at families.

        Firefighters threw rally T-shirts into the crowds as children dashed to police walking on foot, yelling, “Mr. Police!” Bicycle officers rode alongside the fire trucks, waving at neighbors, who clapped, cheered, waved and gave them thumbs-up.

        The neighborhood group Westwood Concern sponsored the rally. Westside businesses also helped out this year by donating money and services for T-shirts and fliers, said rally coordinator John Eby.

        “I get tired of the lies. So many people want to tear down the city and it's like, why?” Mr. Eby said. “This is where we live. You have to be willing to work to make improvements. Part of it is engaging your police and fire departments.”

        Mayor Charlie Luken and several City Council members - including David Pepper and Jim Tarbell - attended.

        Mr. Pepper rode on the back of a firetruck waving an American flag while Mr. Tarbell followed the procession in his car, hopping out at times to chat with people.

        “Police are human and when you come out and see this support, it hits home that the community cares about us,” said District 3 Commander Capt. Andrew Raabe.

        “Keeping our communities safe is a partnership.”

        Turnout at this year's event was markedly lower than last year's rally, which drew about 1,600 people. But Mr. Eby said he wasn't disappointed, pointing out that last year's riots heightened the urgency to show support for the police.

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