National Night Out 2017

Last night was our local National Night Out, a fun family and community ritual this town has been celebrating yearly since 2005.  National Night out is held nationwide in August (or October for hotter climate states) to help raise awareness for community policing.

Eric was "on duty" and Nana Karen, Connor, Ramsey, and I ventured out for the fun festivities.  Upon arrival, we found the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) armored vehicle.  Eric has been wanting to show the boys this since they got it.  It was granted to the police department by the US Military for use in serious situations.

Ramsey made the local newspaper's online photo gallery of the event when he was seen by the paper's photographer, next to the MRAP.  His tiny little body was dwarfed by the enormous tires!

Among the myriad first responder and community service booths (with tons of fun and interactive activities for the kids), was the police department, the fire department, 

the county sheriff's department,

the Army Reserves, Animal Control, the local hospitals, women's shelter, electrical co-cop, the police chaplains, Game Fish & Parks, and more.

A number of awards were given out during the presentation ceremony.  Eric gave an award to a local citizen who helped the police department catch an armed robber.

Other awards were presented for Officer of the Year, two Life-Saving Awards, and even a Medal of Honor (to a brave officer who had been injured in the line of duty).

Both of the "drug dogs" were present.   Ramsey loved the dogs!

Neko sat patiently while Dez gave a demonstration on how they utilize him as a service dog to find drugs.

We found Eric after the awards ceremony and welcoming presentation, then went to grab a free supper.  Then, we headed off to the bouncy huts (aka "the Cauldrons of Mayhem" - didn't stay there too long! lol), then off to the park swings, slides, "easing" our way to the jeep (Ramsey did not want to leave all of the excitement!).

There were so many booths that we didn't visit this year.  It was estimated that 3,500 citizens attended National Night Out.  If you would have asked me my opinion, it seemed like three times that many!

A big shout-out to the police department, fire department, and all of the first responders who  make our community safe and help citizens in their times of need.  Bravo!