ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
Saturday, Oct. 11, will see much in the way of events taking place in the area, and the Liberal Police Department is hosting its own fun-filled event that day.
Hosted as LPD’s first Faith & Blue event in 2023, Bumpers & Badges is back for this year from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Billy’s Ayr Lanes, and Community Police Coordinator Dalanie Underwood said department officials are excited to host it again.
“It’s a fun bowling event where officers, faith leaders and the community can come together,” she said.
Underwood said a big focus for the LPD for many years has been community policing, and events like Bumpers & Badges let officers connect with the public as not just police, but also neighbors.
“Bowling, laughing and just spending time together helps build trust and relationships,” she said.
Other ways Underwood says LPD helps connect with the community include buidling relationships year-round through Liberal’s Night Out, the Liberal Police & Community Association, school programs, the Cadet Program and social media.
“On top of that, everyday interactions with community members – like talking with people on the street or visiting local events – are just as important for keeping those connections strong,” she said.
Underwood said Bumpers & Badges makes a strong impact.
“Faith leaders play a key role in Liberal, and partnering with them allows us to reach people we might not otherwise interact with,” she said. “We’d love to see faith leaders and members from all around Liberal out at this event and our other community events.”
Underwood said the event shows police officers are people too, as well as neighbors, parents and friends.
“Seeing us having fun outside of our normal duties helps the community see the human side of policing,” she said.
Underwood said she finds doing Bumpers & Badges meaningful because for her, it is another way to serve.
“Beyond responding to calls, events like this let us build lasting relationships and be part of the community in a positive approachable way,” she said.
Although there is somewhat of a competitive aspect to bowling, Underwood said Bumpers & Badges is all in good fun.
“People love trying to get a strike or a high score, but the main focus is connecting and having fun together,” she said.
As for the rest of 2025, Underwood said LPD has a few things on its radar, including the fall Cadet Program, which is now in full swing with nearly 55 cadets.
“You’ll see them out at lots of community events in the near future,” she said. “Of course, we’re looking forward to the Trail of Terror later this month and LPD & Me Christmas in December. We’re especially excited for Cuffs to make his yearly visit from the North Pole. We’re hoping to bring back our Cuffs & Crew Christmas Classic at Grif Golf this year. It was a fun, last-minute event we put together last year, and we think it could be a festive, family-friendly tradition.”
For more information about Bumpers & Badges, visit the Liberal Police Department Facebook page, or call 620-626-0517. Underwood said everyone at LPD is looking forward to the event.
“Our staff is especially excited to see the community come together,” she said. “It’s always great fun, and bowling makes it even more enjoyable for everyone.”
