Youngsters enjoy Titusville police Halloween party

Laila and Benett Greathouse posed with inflatable jack o lanterns Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, in front of the Titusville Police Department. (By Amanda Dresbach)

The Titusville Police Department scared up some treats for the community with its annual Halloween party Thursday evening at the police station.

An unnamed ghoul menaces haunted house attendees Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at the Titusville Police Department. (By Amanda Dresbach)

Ghouls, witches, superheroes and princesses, who were out on the town to trick or treat, stopped by the haunted castle in the department’s garage. Some dared to go inside, while others played it safe and stayed under the protective eye of police officers.

Those who survived were rewarded with candy and a fire in the parking lot.

The haunted house was constructed by Sgt. Jason Bean, with the help of community and staff volunteers, using materials donated by local businesses.

While off duty, Bean planned, coordinated and gathered materials and props for the project. He estimated spending 40 hours putting together the free event, which is now in its third year.

Bean estimated 1,000 people walked through the haunted house in its first year and said attendance was higher the second year.

He expected 1,500 people or more this year. Bean said he changes some props and the route through the haunted house each year.

Bean’s favorite part of the event, other than providing an activity for the community, is “seeing the reactions of the kids, and adults, too, when they come out at the end.”

“It never gets old,” he said.

Chief Dustin LeGoullon said the department has seen people come from as far away as Knox for the haunted house adventure.

“It’s just become bigger than anyone could imagine,” LeGoullon said.

Bean said Bryan’s True Value, Morrison Builders Supply and the City of Titusville donated money and supplies for the construction of the haunted house.

“They were all very gracious,” Bean said.

Coy Campbell, a young boy who was in costume, braved the haunted house. When he exited, his reaction echoed that of several other children.

“The clown” was the scariest part, he said.

(Amanda Dresbach is the website coordinator for The Derrick & The News-Herald.)