Area police make sure residents feel safe at community events

 Area police departments are doing everything in their power to make local events feel safer amid national and international terror incidents.

With community events like the Oil Heritage Festival, the Venango County Fair and Applefest on tap in the coming weeks and months, local police want residents to know they are doing everything in their power to make citizens feel comfortable so they can enjoy the events just as they have in previous years.

“We meet with community leaders to address these events,” Franklin police chief Mark London said. “We are well versed in the coordination of the appearance of officers at these events.”

Just as in previous years, there is an increased presence of officers at such events so participants can enjoy activities in a safe and comfortable manner.

“The Franklin police department does this continuously,” London said. “Our number one concern is making people feel safer at our festivals.”

“We are looking forward to the events,” Oil City police chief Bob Wenner said. “We are certainly aware of the unfortunate events that have happened throughout the country and the world, and we want the members of our community to feel safe at our summer activities.”

The Oil Heritage Festival is next week, the Venango County Fair is Aug. 6 to 13, and Applefest is Oct. 7 to 9.