For San Benito County’s National Night Out, families came out to
meet local law enforcement and learn about crime prevention.
San Juan Bautista – For San Benito County’s National Night Out, families came out to meet local law enforcement and learn about crime prevention.
And eat cotton candy.
Despite the helicopter and fire truck and the chance to meet McGruff the Crime Dog, the pink cotton candy was the highlight of the event for 5-year-old Madison Rodrigues.
Her sister, Kayla Rodrigues, 11, liked learning about bicycle safety and her new helmet, which she picked up so she can bike safely in her neighborhood.
The second annual National Night Out was held in San Juan Bautista on Tuesday night. It is designed to increase local children’s awareness of law enforcement and crime prevention.
“It’s outreach to the community,” said Deputy Sheriff Jennifer Burbank, who organized the event. “The idea is to get out and talk to the kids – to make sure they see that law enforcement is not scary.”
At the event’s outset, Burbank said she was hoping to have at least 300 people come out for the event, which drew around 200 people out in 2006.
Many families came to learn about safety and for a fun summer activity. San Juan Bautista resident Elaine Vatalaro brought her 7-year-old grandson Adam Krumpe from Fresno.
“I think it’s great for them to have safety awareness,” Vatalaro said. “They need to know all the resources available to them and to not be scared of them.”
Kids had the chance to talk to police officers, staff from the sheriff’s department and firefighters, among other city and county officials.
The sheriff’s department organized the local version of National Night Out, but many other law enforcement offices took part.
State Park Ranger Sheryl Neufeld said she came to teach kids about protecting resources such as animals and the land. Because park rangers are peace officers, too, it’s important for kids to know they can trust them as well, she said.
“It’s about acknowledging safety and law enforcement and sharing it with the kids,” Neufeld said.
Brent Moore, 10, said he felt comfortable talking to police officers and knew to approach them if he sensed danger. But above all, he said it was just a fun event.
“It’s really cool,” he said. “They show you all the neat things, like the police car and the helicopter. I like that.”
Brent’s sister, 5-year-old Brittany Moore, also said she wasn’t afraid to talk with police officers. For her, however, the event was all about the hot dogs, cotton candy and music.
“It’s a great event. The people of San Juan Bautista really appreciate it,” Burbank said.
Alice Joy covers education and health for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
