Police sirens blared as youngsters got up close and personal with emergency first responders Saturday.
The La Mesa Police Department hosted its fifth annual safety fair to help bring understanding between law enforcement and the community Saturday.
Participants learned about everything from fire safety to crime prevention from those who have been on the front lines.
"We want people to learn how you can protect your car from break-ins, your home from break-ins,” Lt. Chad Bell of the La Mesa Police Department told NBC 7.
But for officers and citizens “overall good will towards the police department and fire department" is paramount for a city in mourning.
People lined the streets for the funeral of San Diego Police Officer Jonathan De Guzman Thursday. De Guzman was gunned down during a traffic stop in Southcrest just over a week ago. "We've had people that have brought out cards to show their appreciation and the officers absolutely love that,” Bell said.
Whether it was the community’s tiniest members climbing aboard a swat vehicle or adults learning more about how officers respond to a crisis, Saturday was about appreciating law enforcement.
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“We'll never not go to a 911 call, but just getting the support that we're getting today is just amazing,” Bell said.
