(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson)
KENOSHA, Wis. — There were plenty of costumes, candy and smiles at Frank Elementary School Friday afternoon, as students celebrated Halloween with an after-school Trunk-or-Treat event. Among those handing out candy were Kenosha Police Officer Tanya Watkins and Frank Elementary Dean Mitch Thomas, who traded his usual school attire for a Scooby-Doo costume.
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson)
Thomas was excited to spend time with the students and hand out Halloween treats. Dressed as the beloved cartoon dog, he posed for photos with children wearing everything from Spider-Man costumes to spooky Halloween outfits.
Officer Watkins also made a special effort to participate in the festivities. Although she normally works the midnight shift with the Kenosha Police Department, she wanted to come in during the afternoon to hand out candy, interact with the students and enjoy some Halloween fun.
Watkins brought along a Kenosha Police squad car, transforming its open rear hatch into a giant monster mouth, complete with oversized eyes and sharp white teeth. Students stopped by the decorated squad to collect candy, show off their costumes and visit with the officer.
One young girl, who dreams of becoming a police officer herself, had some particularly interesting questions for Watkins. The student wanted to know what it takes to become a police officer and whether recruits really have to get tased during their police academy training.
Watkins explained that officers have to experience both being tased and being pepper-sprayed as part of their training. When the curious student asked about the experience, Watkins told her that, in her opinion, the pepper spray was actually worse than the Taser.
The exchange offered a little career advice along with the Halloween candy, giving the aspiring young officer a glimpse into the challenges of police training. It was also an opportunity for students to interact with a police officer in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Throughout the afternoon, children proudly displayed their costumes, carried pumpkin buckets and collected treats from the decorated vehicles. From superheroes and cartoon characters to ghosts and monsters, the school parking lot was filled with Halloween spirit.
For Thomas and Watkins, the afternoon was about more than handing out candy. It was a chance to make some special memories with Frank Elementary students and bring a little extra excitement to their Halloween celebration.
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