ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Police Department recently wrapped up its 2026 BBQ in the Beat summer series, marking another year of a community program that has brought residents and public safety personnel together over food, activities and conversation.

The final event of the season was held Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Derr-Okamoto Park. The free event included burgers and hot dogs, games, music and opportunities for residents to meet local police officers and other public safety personnel.

Attendees could also get a closer look at police and fire equipment, including K-9 units, SWAT vehicles, drones and fire engines.

BBQ in the Beat began five years ago as an effort by the Elk Grove Police Department to create informal opportunities for officers and residents to interact outside of calls for service.

“BBQ in the Beat started with a simple idea: break down barriers, bring people together, and create opportunities for our officers and community to connect, not during a call for service, but over a meal and a conversation,” the department said in a statement following the final event.

Since the program began, the department said more than 12,000 burgers and hot dogs have been grilled and served during BBQ in the Beat events. Police officials said the program’s greater impact has been the relationships formed between officers and community members who have continued returning to the events over the years.

“We’ve watched families come back year after year. We’ve seen kids grow up,” the department said. “And many of you who we first met at a BBQ in the Beat have become familiar faces and friends we look forward to seeing throughout the year.”

The department credited several local and regional partners with helping make the events possible, including the city of Elk Grove, California Office of Traffic Safety, Cosumnes Fire Department, Cosumnes Community Services District Parks and Recreation and REACH.

Police officials also thanked Elk Grove residents for participating in the program and taking the opportunity to meet officers in a more casual setting.

“That’s what BBQ in the Beat has always been about,” the department said.