Broken Arrow Builds Resilience Through ‘Safety Spooktacular’ Event

Broken Arrow’s 2022 Safety Spooktacular event brought out a lot of support in the community Saturday. 

It offered a safe alternative to trick-or-treating and allowed everyone a moment of reflection on how strong the community really is.

The event was coordinated by Broken Arrow Police’s Public Information Officer Ethan Hutchins. He said it was planned prior to the tragedy on Thursday, but has provided a safe atmosphere for the community.

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"To be able to have this event the week of a very tragic situation is just amazing to see because it shows the public wants to be a part of this event and be around law enforcement and supporting law enforcement,” Hutchins said. 

The family-friendly event aims to connect the community with public safety and encourages people to stop and talk to first responders.

9-year-old Cameron Elam attended Safety Spooktacular with her family. She said she is grateful to be surrounded by everyone who came out.

“It’s like really great. I love everyone. I love everyone’s costumes. It’s just amazing,” Elam said. 

Amber Long said her family is new to the area but happy to attend and feels safe at the event.

“In spite of a tragedy that did happen, everyone is still coming out, coming together, and being supportive of everyone and having a good time,” Long said. 

Dawn Hodgens is a school bus driver for the Broken Arrow School district. She said when she learned six children died Thursday, it broke her heart. She attended the event tonight to be there for others.

"Just enjoy yourself really. Come out here and laugh and smile, have a good time, tell jokes, and support each other as the situation continues to get better,” Hodgens said. 

Hutchins said this is support that is very important as more is learned more about Thursday's murder-suicide.

"When details come out additionally about this investigation, it may be harder for some families to talk about it. Those are great opportunities to come out to events to speak to officers about how to comprehend all those details that may be hard for all of us to stomach,” Hutchins said. 

Broken Arrow Police encourages families to attend events like Coffee With The Cops or Color With A Cop if they would like support by speaking to their children about the traumatic event.