Moose Jaw Police Service Holds Free Community Lunch
By Natalie Clysdale
For first time in three years, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) held their annual barbeque on June 21st.
The free lunch, provided by MJPS, consisted of barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs and was served at the back of MJPS’s headquarters.
Approximately 200 people came out for the free lunch and to meet members of the MJPS.
“This is the first time since COVID-19, we wanted the community back together again because there was a lockdown. I thought this would be a good opportunity to get everybody together. I can’t take full credit this was actually officer Hoffman’s idea,” said Constable Rod Zoerb.
CONSTABLE ROD ZOERB RUNS THE GRILL - NATALIE CLYSDALE PHOTO
When asked by MJ Independent what they hoped the community would get out of the event this is what Zoerb replied:
“To interact with each other again and to see familiar faces once again and to build on those relationships and bonds. To get the community together is what it’s all about. I’m going to guess probably over one hundred people will attend,” he said.
THUMBS UP - (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) CONSTABLE REGGIE PAWLIW, SHANNON KELLY, CONSTABLE JAMIE HOFFMAN AND VALERIE JUSTAFSON.
BACK ROW ON THE GRILL CONSTABLE ROD ZOERB -NATALIE CLYSDALE PHOTO
For Zoerb it’s also a great opportunity to meet members of the community in an informal manner.
“I got hired on during COVID-19 so this is my first community barbeque that I will be taking part of. Throughout our job we see lots of people but sometimes we don’t get to see everyone so it’s actually a big small town as they call it. It’s interesting to see what is going on in everyone’s lives,” he said.
“This has been a big team effort that we have done together. Obviously lots of setup and things done are required of us in getting set up properly. To get together with everyone and build relationships and bonds in the community,”
CONSTABLE JAMIE HOFFMAN DISHED OUT THE FOOD - NATALIE CLYSDALE PHOTO
For Moose Jaw resident Valerie Justafson, who was attending her first ever MJPS barbecue, liked the event.
“This is the first time I have ever come out, it’s nice to see the community come out and meet some of the police officers. I want to be in the cruiser and see what that’s like,”
The free barbecue was also fitting for Justafson.
“It’s also my birthday today but I’m not telling you how old I am,” Justafson said.
THE LINE UP WAS LONG FOR FREE HAMBURGERS AND HOT DOGS - NATALIE CLYSDALE PHOTO
For Moose Jaw native and now returned retiree Shanon Kelly - who was also a first time barbecue attendee - thought idea was great and helped to build community.
“I am also a Moose Jaw resident. I was born here and I just moved back after I retired. I love Moose Jaw it’s a nice place and a beautiful city. Nice people, friendly and this event is nice and the first time I have attended,” Kelly said.