On Saturday, emergency responders in the City of Poplarville took advantage of a sunny day to meet with the public at city park.

Hot dogs and drinks donated by local businesses were available to the public as well as some other freebies such as shirts, pens, mugs and Frisbees.

Fire Chief Kris Foster said the event was a chance to give back to the community that has supported its emergency responders. Police Chief Charlie Fazende said the event also was a way for the public to meet them face to face.

The public had the opportunity to learn about the two year-old DUI enforcement program that employs a dedicated DUI officer. Fazende said the program has been successful so far and has taken a number of drunk drivers off the streets of Poplarville. In the first year alone, the department was able to quadruple their DUI arrests.

A number of grant-funded vehicles also were on display at the park on Saturday. Both the fire and police departments have benefited from Homeland Security grants, said both Fazende and Foster. The event is expected to be held annually from now on.

Foster and Fazende said they would like to thank Griers, Sunflower, Hardee’s, the Poplarville High School Booster Club, Ward’s, Coca-Cola of Hattiesburg and Dominoes for their support and donations to hold the event. They also wanted to thank the businesses who have supported the responders in the past.