With so many people coming and going through the Ionia Free Fair, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office not only wants to have a presence for security, but also to educate the youth and community.
Sheriff Dale Miller said that so far, it has been a positive experience for people and law enforcement officers coming together.
“It has been excellent, there have hardly been any issues,” Miller said. “What we are seeing is a real positive response for law enforcement. They are coming up and thanking us for being around and being present.
“What we are seeing is that most people truly appreciate law enforcement and what we represent. They are coming up and reaching out to shake hands with my officers.”
The deputies’ presence is not only to ensure the safety of the public attending the Free Fair, but also to educate them. The sheriff’s office has a booth set up in the Merchant Building.
At their area, there is a seat belt convincer that shows the importance of wearing a seat belt by simulating a crash between 12 and 18 mph. There is also a distracted driving simulator and a drunk goggles where people then need to walk through a little obstacle course.
