They're busy fighting crime, but police in every community are never too busy to bond with the people they serve. Upcoming events in Toms River and Stafford - two on May 7 alone - give you a chance to look beyond the uniforms and strengthen connections with the men and women in blue.

Toms River Police Headquarters
Toms River Police Headquarters
(Courtesy: Toms River Police Dept.)
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Toms River PD Open House

The Toms River Police Department pulls out the stops for its annual Open House, May 7, 12 Noon until 4 PM, at headquarters on Oak Avenue.

Chief Mitchell Little says there will be tours of the complex, displays of the equipment employed by police officers, firefighters and emergency management staffers, and demonstrations by the K-9 and motorcycle units.

Toms River Police Youth Camp (R. Stocco)
Toms River Police Youth Camp (R. Stocco)
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Additionally, police will offer bicycle registrations, with free helmets for Toms River residents, and a kids' bicycle rodeo. They'll collect unused prescription medicines for safe disposal. All that, plus food catered by Burger 25.

Toms River Police Youth Camp

The Open House marks the final week of registration for the second annual Toms River Police Youth Camp, July 11 through 15, 8:30 AM until 3 PM each day. It's free of charge. Campers supply their own clothes, lunches and drinks.

Youngsters are given an inside look at how law enforcement works. Squad car rides are part of the regimen, along with introductions to the motorcycle team, EMS ambulance corps, SWAT team, and fire-suppression vehicles.

Campers also can look forward to a challenging obstacle course run, and a field trip to the Ortley Beach Lifeguard Station.

Toms River Police Youth Camp (R. Stocco)
Toms River Police Youth Camp (R. Stocco)
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Applications are available at headquarters. Toms River children in grades 6, 7 and 8 are eligible. Selections will be based on essays submitted by hopefuls, along with teacher recommendations. For more details, send a note to plsaven@trpolice.org.

Take a Spin with Stafford Police 

On May 7 in Stafford, the Superior Officers' Association raises funds with no-pressure test drives of a half-dozen new car models, from 10 AM until 3 PM.

The Ford Motor Company is donating $20 for every driver who gets behind the wheel of  one of its cars, trucks or SUVs, up to $6,000.

A pair of F-150s or a Mustang, Explorer, Escape, Fusion, and a Super-Duty diesel will be alongside the municipal building on East Bay Avenue.

Proceeds support the SOA Scholarship Fund, Project Graduation, charity sponsorships and the annual PBA Toy Drive.

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