By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
National Night Out, an annual event that occurs on the first Tuesday in August, took place locally at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station on Thursday, Aug. 8 to coincide with the farmers market.
More than 50 law enforcement, fire, medical and other emergency services personnel displayed and demonstrated their emergency equipment and vehicles, while they mingled with one another and interested community members.
Capt. Craig Harris, commander of the Twin Peaks Station, explained that the purpose of National Night Out is to interact with the community. “It brings the community together and they get acquainted with their local law enforcement personnel in a friendly, non-threatening environment,” said Harris.
The station’s Sheriff’s Explorers group was there to explain how they assist deputies at accident sites and crime scenes. With an impressive display of trophies won at competitive events with other Explorer posts, the group’s commander, V. Barron, who has been a member for seven years, described the intensive training regimen for new recruits and how, once trained, they will be able to go on ride-alongs with deputies to get a better idea of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer.
Officers from the Arrowhead California Highway Patrol office manned a booth with a CHP patrol unit on display next to it; they brought highway safety pamphlets for adult drivers and CHP badge stickers for children. According to newly appointed Public Information Officer Devin Julien, the purpose of the event was to mingle with the community and answer common questions regarding safe driving practices, how to handle tickets for violations and how to install child safety seats. “We’re here to showcase what we’re all about,” Julien said.
A CHP Senior Volunteer coordinator told the Alpine Mountaineer that another reason for being there is to recruit new Senior Volunteers. “We’re down to 11 volunteers,” he said, noting that their job is to assist officers in directing traffic at accident sites by warning drivers to slow down or to take a different route. They also direct traffic at large public events and show drivers where to park their cars.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived with sirens blaring to get attention; people rushed over to learn more about the everyday job of a trained firefighter. They also brought with them some fire prevention pamphlets and junior firefighter badge stickers for kids.
There was also a booth from the County’s Environmental Health Department with information for families with mental health issues, as well as a booth from Mountains Community Hospital with information about their Rural Health Clinic, emergency care and Skilled Nursing Facility for long-term patients.
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