Bethel Safety Organizations Partner With Target For “National Night Out”

Bethel Safety Organizations Partners With Target For “National Night Out”

~ By Wendy Mitchell

Bethel police, fire and emergency preparedness organizations partnered with Target for their 28th Annual “National Night Out.” Local families came out Tuesday evening to learn about safety and watch demonstrations from Bethel police and firemen.

Bethel Target Store Manager Ian Yorty said: “I’m excited about the great turnout this year. It’s a great day to host a positive event for the community and we are glad to host the event so the community can recognize the partnership we have with fire and law enforcement in our area.”

The event is part of a national event that began in 1984 as a way to educate the public and raise awareness about crime and drug prevention. According to their website, National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Bethel Target event was organized by Assets Program Team Leader Alden Lee who said: “It’s a great way to get the community out so people know the we partner with health and emergency response and so they know we are all here to help.”

Bethel police hed a K9 demonstration with their police dog Asco in the spotlight showing off his excellent obedience skills. Officers demonstrated how the German Shepherd is trained to attack and chase criminals when commanded to.

The Bethel and Stony Hill Fire Departments joined forces to demonstrate how the jaws of life can safe lives. By using three lifesaving tools Bethel firefighters showed how they can take the doors, roof and dashboard off of a car in a matter of minutes to get to an accident victim.

Firefighters also held hands-on demonstrations for children in order to show them how to use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire by pulling out the pin and spraying on a small fire.

Bethel CERT volunteers, registered nurses and volunteers from the health department passed out information and educated the public on safety. They were also recruiting volunteers for the American Red Cross. Click here for more information. 

Children and their parents enjoyed a free barbecue dinner, courtesy of Target, complimentary goodie bags and free face painting from target team members. Kicks 105.5 FM emceed the event and their DJ Maureen Bingham gave away free passes to The Maritime Center in Norwalk. 

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