Huntington police's community program goes viral

HUNTINGTON, WV (WCHS/WVAH) — After a devastating and difficult week of violence between civilians and law enforcement, Huntington officer Brennan Simpkins wanted to see something good posted on social media. Twice a week, he mentors hundreds of kids at the St. John's Learning and Education Center in Marcum Terrace.

He posted the pictures full of silly faces online, and the post was shared thousands of times.

Simpkins said he had no idea it would reach so many different people from miles away.

"I just wanted my small group of friends to know who look for things from me," Simpkins said. "You don't have to be negative all of the time. You shouldn't believe everything you see on Facebook. It's important to have a good heart and show compassion towards others even if you don't know them or their skin color is different than yours."

It has not always been easy, however, for the officer to make friends with the kids.

"When we first started visiting, the kids did not want us there," Simpkins said. "They ran away from us. They would come up and say, 'You're mean. You arrested my family. I don't like you.' They just saw me as an officer. They didn't see me as a person."

Simpkins did not give up. With each game of freeze tag or basketball, he said gained their trust. Now, the kids run toward him. He is known around the neighborhood as 'Mr. Brennan.'"

"I had no idea I would get so close to these kids," Simpkins said. "They're like my family. I've learned a lot from them. We usually play freeze tag, hop scotch or basketball. I've even had parents come up to me on calls and say, 'Thanks for playing basketball with my son.' It's pretty cool that people are noticing it."

The Huntington Police Department hopes to continue its community policing efforts in Marcum Terrace -- a housing complex that has seen its share of violence. Right now, it has an officer there every weekday afternoon.