By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
Approaching the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station on Thursday Aug. 6, one could not help but notice dozens of fire engines, sheriff’s patrol units and CHP (California Highway Patrol) vehicles occupying the sheriff’s station’s parking lot.
The occasion was “National Night Out,” an annual community-uniting event, commonly held on the first Thursday of August, to strengthen relationships between neighbors and local law enforcement and promote neighborhood camaraderie. The concept, which began in 1984, attracts millions of residents throughout the nation, with neighbors turning on their porch lights to demonstrate solidarity and has since grown into a nationwide movement.
While approaching a California Highway Patrol information booth occupied by a dozen or so CHP officers and volunteers, as well as local community members, a group of inquisitive youngsters, all of whom attend Valley of Enchantment Elementary School, were encountered. When asked what inspired her to attend the event, one 5-year-old said she grew up in Crestline and that she loves backpacking, hiking, camping and rock climbing nearby.
Smokey Bear discussed fire safety with dozens of excited youngsters.
Representing the U.S. Forest Service were three members of the Rim of the World Search and Rescue team. Nearby, there was an information booth with representatives and volunteers from the Arrowhead Area CHP office, including a CHP public information officer who was pleased to share information about the CHP’s role in enforcing traffic laws designed to keep mountain roads and highways safe for other drivers, including a local resident seeking CHP safe driving brochures.
Other attractions included firefighters from Cal Fire and the San Bernardino County Fire Department who shared their role in preventing and battling structure and wildland fires to residents and visitors.
Longtime CHP Public Information Officer (PIO) Jacob Griede was asked whether he had been involved in any recent high-speed chases. He said there had been none, though he recalled an incident several weeks prior where a motorcyclist succumbed to fatal injuries when his bike hit a guardrail on the Highway 138 Crestline bridge.
The five-hour-long event, which began at 4 p.m., was scheduled to wind down by 9 p.m. It attracted well over 100 mountain area residents and other interested visitors, but not before Smokey Bear had a chance to pose for photos and conversation with dozens of gleeful children and parents.
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