The Pacific Police Department and the Valley Regional Fire Authority opened the Pacific Public Safety Building’s doors last Friday for an open house fostering community partnerships and highlighting National Preparedness Month.

Police spokesperson Stephanie Shook said that 500-plus members of the community came to learn new things about the services that Pacific Police and the VRFA offer and to enjoy live music and free barbecue.

“We thought we’d have a good turnout, but I don’t think we expected that many,” Shook said, adding that everybody was happy to have such a large crowd.

Some residents left with child identification cards for their children.

“They’re really nice this year because they’re laminated and real professional looking,” Shook said.

Members of the Washington State National Guard showed off their vehicles.

Children took rides in a police car, romped in a pair of inflatable bouncy houses and shook hands with McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog.

“This year’s event also offered the opportunity for Pacific residents to learn a little about emergency preparedness,” Shook said … The reason we chose to do it a little later — rather than in the summer— was because September is National Preparedness Month.”

McClendon’s Hardware donated 100 five-gallon buckets stuffed with emergency preparedness items like hand sanitizers, flashlights, informational pamphlets and can openers.

“This is really to strengthen community partnerships and to let people know we’re here for them and what services we offer,” Shook said.