Peachtree – The grounds at Tri-County Community College accommodated a wide variety of emergency vehicles and personnel on Aug. 5 for the second annual local National Night Out.
Folks from surrounding communities stopped by during the event to interact with law enforcement and other first responders in a fun and informative way.
The annual national event, which began in 1984, is geared toward fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. It further aims to enhance these relationships by encouraging neighbors to connect with first responders.
The event is set in a friendly environment with live and interactive demonstrations. Children enjoyed climbing in the emergency vehicles as well as participating in hands on events. Food and snacks kept bellies full, and there were lots of freebies available from community business vendors like Cherokee County Veteran Services, Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties, Four Square Community Action and Choices of WNC.
High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center was offering an opportunity to help cover a police car with stickers. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Murphy Police Department were competing to see which vehicle would receive the most stickers. Stickers were given to anyone who gave a donation, with the money raised going toward the Special Olympics.
The Peachtree Fire Department demonstrated a game of Jenga using vehicle-stabilizing blocks, while the Murphy Fire Department brought out its fire safety house for kids to walk through. The mock house was filled with smoke, giving children an opportunity to learn how to exit the danger safely as well as other fire safety tips.
The Ranger Fire Department allowed children to climb up into their fire truck. Some youngsters even got away with sounding the air horn, which quickly had heads turning. Firefighters also showed the public other truck functions.
Graham County Emergency Management brought out its underwater drone so folks could see some of its recovery capabilities. The device was submerged in a pool of water, retrieving various items.
The drone is capable of lifting objects up weighing about 250 pounds and is used for recovering evidence and other items. The device is shared with other counties as needed.
The N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission and State Bureau of Investigation also came out to join in the fun. Fannin County, Ga., crossed the state line to bring their mobile command vehicle out.
Everyone appeared to enjoy being out and about. Folks also had the opportunity to see a K-9 officer bring down a “bad guy,” who was actually Detective Dylan Vallee wearing a bite suit to prevent injuries. The dog’s name is Epic, and his handler is Deputy Tim Leslie. Together, they demonstrated some of the dog’s duties whenever he is utilized.
Attendees enjoyed climbing into an inmate transport vehicle on site. The Life Force medical transport helicopter also drew interest.
“I think it went great tonight, and it shows the interactions between our first responders and the public,” Sheriff Dustin Smith said of the local effort. “When the public comes out, it’s a great opportunity for them to actually get to know the first responders and see all the stuff that they have.
“I’m happy with the turnout, it was just a fun day. Hopefully, next year we’ll build on it, and it’ll grow from there.”