BELLE — Community connections were front and center as Belle Police Officer Kevin Green cooled off with local children in a playful water battle.

On Saturday, June 22, Green was spotted taking part in an impromptu neighborhood water fight with area youth, cooling off with blasts of water and cups of lemonade. The moment quickly became a highlight for residents, who praised the officer’s willingness to engage with the community beyond the badge.

The light-hearted interaction comes at a time when departments across the country are emphasizing stronger community ties. Green’s involvement, though simple, made a big impact on the children who will now see a familiar face not just in uniform, but as a friend.

“They were selling some lemonade and I got word they were out there sweating pretty good,” said Green. “I decided to stop by the local Dollar General store and pick up some water guns. I got them with water from the rear while they weren’t paying attention. At first it was a little shocking because it was cold water. After that they gave me no mercy. They chase me up and down the street with water guns. I’d say the water fight lasted a good 30 minutes.”

Green purchased three small “super soakers” and a few smaller water guns.

“I don’t think it was twenty bucks to be honest with you,” said Green. “When I was done the kids got the water guns and as I drove by the rest of the day they were playing with water guns all day long. It was pretty cool for me to see.”

“I think this kind of community policing is great,” said City Marshal Jerry Coborn. “He called me wanting to know if it’d be okay to do that. I told him ‘the more the merrier’…we don’t want our kids to be afraid of us. I want them to be able to approach us and feel safe. That’s where community policing begins, with our youth. I think it was good for the police department and the city as a whole.”