MML Review Magazine Fall 2025

“ It's promoted a different kind of relationship with me and some of the parents. ”

“ Each event received rave reviews from families in our community. ” Radabaugh and Lander recommend Books & Badges wholeheartedly. “I've had nothing but good luck with this program,” Radabaugh says. “A lot of the kids recognize me outside of work—run into me at Walmart or the local stores in town—and come up to me. They always say hi.” In a small town like Ishpeming, it’s inevitable that Radabaugh sees parents the department has interacted with in a law enforcement context. “You always wonder if there's going to be an awkwardness,” he says. “But it's actually been quite the opposite . . . it's promoted a different kind of relationship with me and some of the parents.”

“Each event received rave reviews from families in our community—with many asking when we will do it again,” says Lander. “It’s very important for children to have the opportunity to meet our local community helpers in such a fun and personal way.” “The kids have asked me questions like why I became a cop,” says Radabaugh. “Do I still like being a cop?” The answer is yes, and connection-building programs like Books & Badges are a big part of it. “It's a reassurance of why I went into this 21 years ago.” Emily Landau Pinsuwan is a content writer for the League. You may contact Emily at 734-669-6320 or elandau@mml.org.

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