National Night Out 2016

As usual, on the first Tuesday of August, the police department held its yearly National Night Out.  Eric was there with his colleagues to meet and greet citizens of all ages.  My Mom, the kids (to include Connor's buddy Jared), and I attended to support the PD and also have some fun!

In addition to the police department, local community service providers from the fire department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Guard, Army, the local hospitals, Chamber of Commerce, US Fish & Wildlife, etc, were all represented at the affair.  These departments had booths with games, door prizes, and informational material.  Some even brought their utility vehicles (the D.A.R.E. Camaro, a fire engine, the Care Flight helicopter, an ambulance, a cool track vehicle from the National Guard, the mobile jail from the BIA, etc) for citizens to see.

At the beginning of the event, the PD kicked it off by having all of the community departments turn on their lights and sirens.  Ramsey had fallen asleep on the way into town and was sleeping in his stroller.  Before I could wake him, the sirens were going off.  He didn't even flinch and remained asleep!

Next, the PD awarded a police officer, plus two civilians an award for their valiant efforts to save a fellow citizen back in February (who needed resuscitation after collapsing while playing league basketball at a local gymnasium).

 Most of the time, Eric was mingling and talking to citizens, but we did manage to snag him for a few pictures!

 Ramsey seemed to enjoy seeing Neko, the PD's drug dog, a highly-trained adolescent Belgian Malinois.

 Connor and Jared were more interested in going to the Army tent, where there was a competition to see who could do the most push-ups in one minute.   The leader (at the time we were there) had 60!  The boys didn't fare quite that well and were in the 20's.  They had great form though.   :-)

Connor, Ramsey, and I all won door prizes (gift certificates to local businesses).  Lucky!  We all enjoyed a free supper, provided by the Salvation Army, too.  There were bouncy tents/slides for the kids and they showed a movie in the park at dusk (we did leave before it started). 

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.  

I may be a bit biased in my opinions, but I certainly appreciate our law enforcement officials, first responders, armed service men and women, and community service providers for all of their efforts, not only in our fair city, but also nationwide.   It's a tough time in the country right now, especially if you're in law enforcement, and I'm happy to give a big shout-out to those who dedicate themselves and risk their lives to our communities.  THANK YOU for your service!