Photo by Lester Smith
Three Suffield Middle School friends get a kick out of sitting in this heavily armored vehicle from the regional Emergency Services team. From the left: Elizabeth Mack, Wren Gomes, Sarah Michael.
On Tuesday, August 1, an estimated 1,500 Suffield residents came out to join members of the Suffield Police Department at the department’s second annual National Night Out event, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships in order to make communities safer and strive to build and further enhance existing relationships between neighbors and law enforcement.
Attendees at the event had the opportunity to see and sit in Suffield Police vehicles including police cruisers, the Animal Control truck, and the department HUMVEE rescue vehicle. Specialty vehicles, including a wide array of Suffield Volunteer Ambulance vehicles, Suffield Fire Department engines, the regional police Emergency Services (SWAT) armored vehicle, and an Army National Guard Monster Truck, were on display as well. Connecticut State Police Sergeant Sweeney, a Suffield resident, was present with the State Police Rollover Simulator to promote awareness about seatbelt safety.
Suffield Police officers, public safety dispatchers, civilian administrative staff and supervisory staff were all present to distribute crime prevention materials on drug awareness, prevention of auto theft and theft from vehicles, identity thefts and other public safety topics.
The Foundation for Exceptional Children of Suffield (FECS), a local non-profit partner of the Suffield Police provided free face painting.
Residents attending were able to view various Police Department K9 team demonstrations. Helicopter rides over Suffield were courtesy of Scibelli Helicopters and children were able to take a small train ride courtesy of the Roaming Raceway and Railroad.
Families were also able to participate in the Connecticut Child Identification program (CHIP) provided by the Connecticut Freemasons Foundation in conjunction with Suffield Police Animal Control Officer Blackaby. The CHIP program allows parents the opportunity to create a kit of identifying materials for their child, free of charge. The purpose of the kit is to provide critical information to the public and to law enforcement in the event that a child goes missing.
Participants enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hotdogs provided courtesy of the Suffield Rotary Club. The Suffield Police booth stocked ice cream provided by local Scoop de Jour owner, Mona Mastalisz.
Suffield Police are already looking forward and planning next year’s event.