July is known for a time of celebrating the red, white and blue. This week we highlight Plano’s very own heroes in blue, the Plano Police Department. Not only do our brave men and women of the Plano PD protect us 24 hours a day and seven days a week but they also commit a lot of time helping the community. One way they are connecting with the community is by offering some exciting Explore Plano challenges this month. If you’re like me then you’re probably just as intrigued by all of the lights, vehicles, gear and of course the sweet toys. The Plano Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the northern Dallas metropolitan area serving more than 273,000 citizens. Since its formation in 1958, the Plano PD has emphasized professionalism, integrity and progressive efforts and innovative approaches to community issues. The department has been a nationally accredited law enforcement agency since 1992. Like most government agencies today, you can connect with Plano PD social media pages to keep up with current events and news, or visit planopolice.org.
Everybody loves a good story but it’s even better when it’s being read to you by a police officer. Your first challenge is to rally up the kiddos and head over to the police headquarters to hear the story of “Officer Buckles and Gloria.” The story will be read by a real police officer at 2 p.m. on July 19 and July 26 at the police headquarters on 909 14th Street. Children will learn valuable safety tips to help keep them safe in the event of an emergency. Participants will also receive a Plano Police badge and the opportunity to color a picture that will be displayed at the station.
Admit it, we all love taking selfies of ourselves and with our friends. Selfies have become a sort of visual autobiography of where we are, who we’re with and what we’re feeling. Take your photo opp with a cop on July 7 and July 21 from 3-5 p.m. at 7501-A Independence Parkway. If you’re closer to the eastside of Plano then you can head over on July 19 and July 20 from 3-7 p.m. at the station located at 909 14th Street. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get to check out one of the police vehicles. Be sure to use hashtag #exploreplano when you post your selfie to social media.
You may have driven past the Plano Police Station over a dozen times but at 2 p.m. on July 19 and July 26 you can get your own personal tour of the headquarters located at 909 14th Street! Stroll through the station with an officer as they give you the history of the department. On your tour, expect to see historic photos, items used over the years and get answers to some of the questions you may have. Round up your friends and do something fun and different this month.
Check back next week as we highlight Downtown Plano’s challenges. Next week’s challenges include visiting the Interurban Museum, getting a photo next to some of the historic landmarks and attending a concert at the new McCall Plaza amphitheater. As always, share your progress with us on social media with hashtag #exploreplano.
For more Explore Plano challenges, visit plano.gov/exploreplano.