Kids will get the chance to earn their badges during a special event Thursday.

Oak Harbor Police Chief Ed Green said the department is holding an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. It’s part of a series of such events that departments are holding this year in recognition of the city’s centennial.

There are two things that make this open house especially notable.

The first is free donuts.

“Of course it’s gotta be donuts,” Green said, emphasizing that the treats are from Oak Harbor’s very own Donut Master.

The second thing is a “police academy” for the younger set. Kids will be “deputized” after taking a junior oath and donning a junior-sized police vest. They will each receive a special “passport.”

Small groups of children will tour the building and go out back to the parking lot, where different stations will be set up.

Each station will cover an aspect of police work. Green explained that kids will be able to help detectives solve a crime at one, for example, and learn physical fitness at another.

Each child who gets his or her passport stamped at each station will earn a badge.

The chief said the open house should also be interesting to adults. There will be demonstrations and equipment displays.

And free donuts.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids and adults to get to know us better,” Green said.