PARK FALLS - Trick or Treaters in Park Falls can hit the streets this Halloween knowing volunteers will patrolling the neighborhoods with their saftey in mind.
The Park Falls Police Department along with amateur radio operators called "Ham's" and members of the Fire and Rescue Squad will be out this Halloween from 4:00 to 6:30pm.
Park Falls Police Chief Scott Straetz says the goal is to keep kids safe while they're trick-or-treating.
He says the patrolling is two fold.
First, Straetz says firefighters and police officers will be handing out candy and interacting with trick or treaters--to break down any barriers.
Second, he says the Ham's will also be out in unmarked cars looking for anyone who may be causing trouble.
Straetz says this is done mostly by volunteers to keep kids safe.
He tells Newswatch 12, "The fire and Ham's there's no reimbursement for them, it's just really the classic example of a small town, doing the right thing for the right reasons, it's awesome."
Bob Loomis is a Ham and will be patrolling streets for the fourth year. He tells Newswatch 12, "It gives us the opportunity to practice our skills both with one another and with the police department. This is unique, I've lived in southern Wisconsin, this is a unique and enjoyable function."
This is the 10th year the Police Department's been handing out candy and the 7th year the police, fire and Ham's have teamed up to do this.
Chief Straetz says they've never had a major incident since they've been patrolling on Halloween.
Story By: Bridget Fargen