LINDON -- Rain and lighting couldn't keep residents of Lindon from gathering together to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the police department and the city's partnership with Orem on Wednesday night.

The aroma of hot dogs being grilled by the fire department met residents as they came to meet with public safety and law enforcement officers to show their support.

"I came out here tonight to show my support and let them know that we as citizens appreciate the work that they do and how well they do it," said Eric Hill, a Lindon resident.

One year ago, the face of public safety changed in Lindon when the city formed its own police department and a new partnership with Orem for fire, EMS and dispatch services. Lindon had previously partnered with Pleasant Grove for emergency services.

Lindon Police Chief Cody Cullimore had a vision for the people of Lindon. He hoped to have a relationship with the residents so they would see him as Cody, not just Chief Cullimore. He wanted to build a trust and friendship with the community, and that is just what the Lindon police department has done. Through campaigns -- such as the National Night Out Against Crime and multiple open houses -- the department has reached out to the community to show residents they are out there, ready to help.

After years of planning and budgeting, the transition for the department and the community has been smooth and seamless. But that's what you expect when you have the people backing you up, Cullimore said.

At the celebration, the blowing out of the candle on the cake was more than just for show. It represented the achievements of the department -- the reduction of emergency response times from more than 12 minutes to just under three minutes, and the bond the department had formed with the community, city officials said.

The general consensus of those in attendance at the celebration was the city is a safer place to be thanks to the efforts of the police department and Orem's emergency services. Even the residents who have been pulled over for traffic violations have expressed how pleased they are to see the police doing in their jobs.

"Residents feel like not only are they safe in this community, but they know if they have a problem they will get it taken care of quickly and efficiently," City Councilman Bruce Carpenter said.

The partnership with Orem's fire department, EMS and dispatch services was also celebrated. Both dispatches are on the same frequency and each city does not hesitate to help each other out, said City Councilman Toby Bath.

As for the future of public safety services in Lindon, a new public safety building and an emphasis on emergency preparedness top the list for the city.

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