Coconino County law enforcement personnel and first responders recently enjoyed their eighth annual cookout meeting in the city of Page, hosted by Coconino County District 5 supervisor Lena Fowler.

Each year, the Interagency Law Enforcement and First Responders Spring Meeting and Cookout attracts staffers from many regional jurisdictions, including the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Park Service, the city of Page, the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and other entities.

“This event keeps getting better and growing every year,” Fowler said in a press release. “There is a tremendous amount of learning and collaboration that goes on from the law enforcement agencies participating in the meeting and it’s a real benefit to the communities they serve and northern Arizona. I also really appreciate the officers who risk their lives every day to protect the public and look forward to hosting them for another meeting and cookout next year.”

The annual barbecue event took place on April 28 at the National Park Service Headquarters in Page. The district treats personnel to this tradition in acknowledgement of their service, making informational presentations and sharing updates on best practices. Additionally, the event serves the purpose of cultivating rapport among the different agencies.