Throngs turn out for Badges and Brews event

The third annual Badges and Brews was spared a damp day at the last minute as the clouds cleared for the East Aberdeen event on Wednesday.

“Throngs” came out as around 100 volunteers from more than a dozen agencies hosted the public, said Sgt. Gary Sexton, one of the event’s organizers.

Emergency response organizations from departments like the Aberdeen Police Department or Ocean Shores Fire Department, to the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office, to state agencies like the Washington State Patrol or wildfire specialists from the Department of Natural Resources, came out with information, giveaways and games for families.

“This is a really great community event,” said Chief Dale Green of the APD. “It’s getting bigger every year.”

The first event began with an invitation from Jaki Meeks, the store manager for the Starbucks that hosted the event. Now in its third iteration, the event has expanded, with more stores and more agencies taking part. Meeks, along with Sexton, still serves as one of the principle organizers, with first responders working behind the counter to serve drinks, and the store taking part in various activities as it hosts the annual early-summer community event.

“We’re having a great time. We’re glad to be part of the event,” said Battalion Chief Darin VanderVeur of the South Beach Regional Fire Authority. “This is our first time being invited out.”

Departments and agencies focused on different safety messages with the coming summer, such as wearing bike helmets or being safe in the water.

“Wear your life jacket,” said Grays Harbor County Sheriff Darrin Wallace. “The water is super super cold so it shocks you and you can’t protect yourself.”

The event also gave kids an opportunity to see equipment or personnel they may not normally get to interact with, from using a State Patrol vehicle’s siren, to petting a police dog, to talking with members of the law enforcement community that kids may not generally encounter in a positive situation.

“It’s good to get out with the public,” Wallace said. “Especially with the kids.”

Other agencies, such as the Life Flight Network, Grays Harbor Emergency Management and Washington State Parks, and many more departments took part.

”I love being here for the second year in a row,” said Trooper Katherine Weatherwax of the WSP. “It’s nice to get an opportunity to integrate with the community,” echoed Trooper Josh Magerstaedt.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or michael.lockett@thedailyworld.com.

Sgt. Gary Sexton of the Aberdeen Police Department, pointing, and Jaki Meeks, store manager for the Aberdeen Starbucks, are co-organizers of the Badges and Brews event hosted by the coffee chain. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Many local, county and state emergency agencies took part in the Badges and Brews event hosted by the Aberdeen Starbucks. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Emergency responders spent time on the line serving drinks during the Badges and Brews event hosted by the Aberdeen Starbucks. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Various agencies gave out safety equipment during the Badges and Brews event hosted by the Aberdeen Starbucks. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Children got a chance to try fire and police equipment during the Badges and Brews event hosted by the Aberdeen Starbucks. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Chief Dale Green of the Aberdeen Police Department, left, talks to troopers from the Washington State Patrol during the Badges and Brews event hosted by the Aberdeen Starbucks. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Multiple local, state and county agencies brought equipment for the public to see to the Badges and Brews event hosted by the Aberdeen Starbucks. (Aberdeen Police Department)