Each year about a week before school starts the National Night Out (America’s Night Out Against Crime) is held in communities all over the United States. It is a night where the local law enforcement and fire and rescue come to a central location and display equipment, hand out materials, give away goodies, and talk with community residents about what they do. You and your kids get to see that fire truck close up and see what is really inside a police car or rescue truck.
My young person and I attended the 28th Annual National Night Out, at the Fayetteville Pavilion, in Fayetteville, Georgia, on August 2. There was an array of giveaway items for the kids, clowns, a big guy in a lion suit (D.A.R.E), and lots of guys and gals in uniform (I’m a sucker for a uniform). The area was cordoned off with police tape and the police and rescue vehicles ‘surrounded’ the space. Even the police helicopter was perched on the tarmac.
I had no concept of just how high that ladder on the fire truck could go until I stood right beside it. I have garnered a bit of sympathy for the police and SWAT members, because of all that gear they wear. I tried to pick up one of their loaded vests and it almost tipped me over. I couldn’t imagine having to maneuver, let alone run with one of those on, especially in August in Georgia. I met the K-9 unit’s number one officer-we weren’t formally introduced, he just nosed my leg–cheeky of him. I think he was after my free Frisbee.
The biggest focus of the National Night Out event is the child identity kits that law enforcement create for FREE. Your child can be fingerprinted, have their statistics recorded, and have their picture taken. This kit is given to the parent or guardian for safekeeping, just in case. When more than 800,000 children (1 child every 40 seconds per National Night Out) go missing every year in the U.S., these kits can be invaluable. And, did I say they were FREE?
The only criticism of my local event that I would offer is the lack of enthusiasm from some of the organizations represented. I realize it was hot (92, felt like 101) and I also realize that some of the ‘volunteers’ may have been forced into participation. However, putting on a good game face is essential when it comes to meeting the public-especially children. My young person and I were not warmly greeted by some of the ‘volunteers’ which made me sad. We were there right at the beginning of the event and maybe they weren’t ready to be friendly. Or, maybe they just didn’t like the way we looked-we are weird. Whatever the reason, I went away from some groups feeling a bit like a ‘bother’ to them, which didn’t endear them to me. But I thanked them for doing their work anyway.
Civil service can be a thankless job and most of the jobs these people have require that they distance themselves. Maybe that was the issue for some, but not for the Fayetteville Police Department. Thank you Detective Israel for making me laugh and thank you Lieutenant Chambers for taking such a good picture of my young one. Oh, and Captain Crawshaw, I hope there is funding for the Fayetteville Citizen’s Police Academy next year. It is an informative program.
Thank you to all those represented at the National Night Out for giving your time, sweating in the heat, putting up with our ignorance, and keeping us safe. I feel secure when I run knowing that at least one of you will be ready to come to my aid should I need it. I could use some oxygen on my run when I reach the top of the hill at the intersection of 85 and 54 or maybe a blast from the fire hose. Feel free to stop traffic for me so I can cross the street-just kidding. If I don’t wave when you drive by, it is because I’m too tired to lift my arm or my glasses are so steamed up I don’t see you.
If you didn’t get a chance to go to your National Night Out this year, don’t worry. It should be back next year. The National Association of Town Watch and Target are two sponsors of the event.
Resources:
http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/history.html
http://www.fayetteville-ga.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PRGSRV&SEC=%7B17C1B214-1F56-4414-9B72-42F68A69572F%7D
http://fayettesheriff.org/