California Police Chief- Fall 2013 CPCA_2017_Spring Magazine.v3 | Page 16

City Love -
By Chief Corey Sianez and Charlene Magruder
Still in its infancy stages, the LOVE BUENA
PARK movement faithfully continues, thanks to
the efforts of Police Chief, Corey Sianez, and the
support of Buena Park’s faith-based groups.
With around 500 volunteers, the
second, annual LOVE BUENA PARK
community service day took place on
Saturday, April 29, 2017. People from
all over the city submitted various
improvement projects which revolved
around everything from pulling
weeds, assembling hygiene kits for
the homeless, replacing walkways,
to conducting a food drive. During a
warm, sunny California day, the event
began bright and early with high-
energy music which got our group of
committed volunteers pumped up with
enthusiasm! Chief Sianez welcomed the
crowd, recognized dignitaries, and then
everyone eagerly left to go work on their
projects.
Buena Park’s restaurants donated
delicious food in the morning and
afternoon to keep volunteers fueled
as everyone worked in unison to
improve and beautify various areas of
our city. We received overwhelming
support from our city’s churches, home
improvement retailers, amusement
attractions, restaurants, schools, car
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dealerships, small businesses and other
service organizations. But, this came
with no surprise because when there’s
a need, the residents and businesses
partner with our agency to come
together and make things happen! Our
officers were out there working up a
sweat in t-shirts, work gloves and boots
alongside the volunteers, in a concerted
effort of bringing people together and
serving one another.
Following completion of projects,
the after-party celebration was a family-
oriented time of fun and laughter that
included bounce houses, games, prizes,
face painting, balloons, and live local
bands. Knott’s Berry Farm’s Snoopy paid
a visit and a great time was had by all!
Despite other cities’ participation
in the “Love Your City” campaign,
mirroring the Love Modesto campaign,
Buena Park’s involvement is quite
exceptional because we know that our
city is an entertainment corridor where
many people congregate. This unique
characteristic provides the ideal setting
for our police department to stop and
focus directly on the inherent value of
relationships with all those involved in
each and every city event. The success
of LOVE BUENA PARK is a clear
indication that our relationships with
those we serve are the strongest they’ve
ever been. Whether it’s our homeless
neighbors or others in need, this is the
time when everyone’s drive to help
reaches the surface!
In a world often plagued by
community division, the opposite is true
for Buena Park as our city continues to
thrive in harmony with one another.
In addition to bonding and building
strength, the LOVE BUENA PARK
service day provides Chief Sianez with
yet another opportunity to be visible,
authentic and faithful in upholding
his oath of honor. We are confident
LOVE BUENA PARK will continue
for years to come and look forward to
“paying it forward” in ways that are
unimaginable. ■