How do you spread safety and goodwill throughout the city? By firing up the grill, of course.
The St. Paul police and their grills are returning to city neighborhoods this summer with the department's Safe Summer Nights program. Burgers, brats and a lot of socializing will be served up each Thursday -- June through August -- in different parts of the city.
It is the second year the department will host the barbecues, which are free and open to the public. The Safe Summer Nights program is designed to provide opportunities for police officers to become acquainted with residents of the neighborhoods they serve over a meal rather than during times of trouble.
St. Paul police officers will bring horse and motorcycle units to the summer cookouts as well as handouts for kids. Food for the events is donated by local businesses, including Superb Meats, a food wholesaler based on W. 7th Street.
The cookouts run from 5 to 7 p.m. No registration is necessary to attend, and everyone is welcome.
Here is the schedule:
Thursday, June 4
Wilder Recreation Center
