Over the last few days, the LaGrange Police and Fire Camp has allowed local children an opportunity to get to know local law enforcement officers.

The camp gave children a chance to try on police equipment and get inside police, fire and other types of first responder vehicles.

Most importantly, it allowed them an opportunity to get to know local patrolmen and women. It’s important that people feel comfortable approaching law enforcement officers and those that are scared to do as children are going to be unlikely to change as adults.

The children were smiling and joking around with officers when we were at the camp Tuesday. They put on helmets, bulletproof vests and had a chance to ask a lot of questions.

The officers were patient, understanding and were having just as good a time.

Our local first responders and all of the organizations involved in the camp deserve a lot of credit for putting the camp together and for taking the time to give back some to the community.

Even five minutes could make a big difference in the life of a child.

Showing children that police officers are normal people, just doing their job, is a big step in creating trust and understanding between law enforcement officers and our community.