Sunday’s bright sunshine was bouncing off police badges and wide smiles alike as members of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South held their annual Unity Showcase Festival.
Scores of sun worshippers and police buffs attended the event at Bartel Pritchard Square. The event offered visitors a glimpse of all the different cultures and communities that cops in southern Brooklyn protect.
“It was the biggest turnout we had,” explained Lt. James Woods, head of Brooklyn South’s community affair’s unit. “We had thousands upon thousands of people coming by. People were coming to enjoy the low 90−degree weather as well as all the stage shows from every corner of the borough. It was a gathering for old and young and everyone in between.”
An upgrade over the Harmony Day picnics that are held in other borough commands, the Unity Showcase gets its inspiration from the Epcot Center in Walt Disney World.
Each of the 13 commands in Patrol Borough Brooklyn South had a table representing the communities they serve. Visitors got a taste of the different neighborhood vibe and culture as well as receive important crime prevention information that would protect residents from muggers, burglars and identity thieves.
Revelers attending the Showcase included Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. The city’s top cop spent upwards of two hours at the event soaking in everything the varied commands had to offer with his wife Veronica, those at the event noted.
Chief Joseph Fox, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, could also be found enjoying the festive atmosphere.
“What I’m most proud of is the fact that this is really not a borough event,” Fox explained. “It’s 13 separate events that all just happen at the same time at the same place. The strength of the day came from the core community and the police leadership at each precinct.”
