The 5th Annual Pasco County Law Enforcement Officer Family Fun Day for Law Enforcement, led by attorney Craig Laporte, of Proly, Laporte & Mulligan, P.A., and sponsored by many local Pasco Businesses, was held on March 31, 2017 at the FOP Lodge in Land O’ Lakes.

There was plenty to keep the entire family entertained. And it was all Free of Charge for current or retired law enforcement officers, law enforcement employees (civilian) and their entire families. Photos provided by Frances Werner-Watkins.

There were cool attractions, including a PSO K-9 Demonstration, a PSO Aviation Helicopter Display, and a PSO SWAT Vehicle Display.

The children had an opportunity to have their faces painted, get a custom balloon creation, play in Bounce Houses, pet ultra-cool reptiles and get their photo taken with them, and compete in Hula hoop competitions with other children. Before or after that, they enjoyed snow cones, popcorn, and other treats awaiting them before or after they enjoy a wonderful barbeque lunch provided by Hungry Harry’s.

About the 5th Annual Pasco County Law Enforcement Family Fun Day

In 2013, Andrea and Craig Laporte wanted to find a way to acknowledge Pasco County's Law Enforcement Officers and their families in some way. They gave consideration to many possibilities, none of which seemed feasible at the time. The result of this desire to recognize the officers and their families who give so much to ensure a safe Community was last year's Family Fun Day event in May.

The Laportes realize from personal experience that the families of law enforcement officers often face the same level of stress that the officer does. All too often, their contributions to the community go unrecognized and under-appreciated.

In order to let those first responders, spouses, children, parents and grandchildren know that their sacrifices are appreciated and valued, Craig and Arndrea came up with the idea of hosting a sponsored and totally free event just for them. The goal was to say, "thanks" to the Law Enforcement Officers from all Pasco Law Enforcement agencies by bringing them together at a central location with an event dedicated to providing them a fun day.

Craig's Law Firm, Proly, Laporte & Mulligan, P.A., spearheaded a drive for sponsors for this event. They successfully brought together a number of businesses to sponsor the 1st annual Law Enforcement Officer Family Fun Day at the FOP Lodge #29's facility in Land O' Lakes in 2014.

The site provides a wide expanse on beautiful Bell Lake. With the help of the many sponsors, over 350 Law Enforcement Officer's family members enjoyed camaraderie, a great social setting and fun entertainment for their children during the 1st annual Fun Day. That number sky-rocketed to over 600 in attendance at the 3rd annual event in 2016. Entertainment included a water slide, bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, balloon animals, hula hoop competition. And much more.

Sheriff Nocco has graciously provided K-9 Demonstrations for the audience in past years, as well as static displays of SWAT equipment, the agency's helicopter, and its Mounted Posse. At last year's Fun Day, Tom Dobies was recognized for his generous donations to the Pasco County K-9 Unit. During the last decade, Dobies has donated money to buy a dozen dogs to police departments that otherwise might not be able to afford them.

The day has been a huge success, and thanks to the sponsorships, approximately $24,000 has been raised for the Pasco County Fallen Officer Law Enforcement Memorial and Benefit Foundation, Inc. The non-profit organization overseeing that fund, plans to design and build Pasco County's first permanent memorial for Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and provides financial assistance to families of injured or killed Law Enforcement Officers. The dedicated site of the Memorial is at the Dade City Historic Court House.

Some Sponsors included R.J. KiELTY Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Ierna's Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, and Christian Brothers Automotive.

To see the full list of the Sponsors and to learn more, visit http://www.leofunday.com/