National Night Out shows other side of law enforcement

Melissa Quintana's sons are fascinated by the lights and sounds of emergency vehicles and on Tuesday they got an up close look.

CNJ staff photo: Benna Sayyed

Chief Master Sgt. Beausoleil, left, greets McGruff the Crime Dog Tuesday at National Night Out at Greene Acres Park. Spencer Roach, middle, acts as McGruff's escort.

Quintana took her sons, Justin and Major Haynes, to National Night Out Tuesday at Greene Acres Park so they could learn about their fascination and also see another side of law enforcement.

The aim of National Night Out, now in its fourth year in Clovis, is to increase crime and drug prevention awareness among citizens, while building a strong partnership between the community and local law enforcement.

Through block parties, cookouts, youth programs, contests, exhibits and visits with law enforcement, event organizers hope to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organizing and fighting crime.

According to Community Relations Officer Daron Roach, 1,800 to 2,000 people attended Tuesday's event, up from about 1,000 people turned out in 2011.

Curry and Roosevelt County law enforcement and emergency services collaborated with New Mexico State Police and Cannon Air Force Base personnel to connect with the community.

New additions to the show this year included an Aerocare landing, small train tours, a state police boat display, a bomb team display and a game and fish department exhibit. A crowd favorite was the chance to dunk law officers into a tank of water by pitching a ball at a target.

Quintana said Justin and Major liked sitting in the emergency vehicles and speaking with the officers.

"To them they're (law enforcement) kind of like superheroes," Quintana said. "It was just nice to see the police in a different light rather than always in an emergency, seeing them relaxed and being more personal with the kids and the community."

Quintana said she liked that her sons learned more about the importance of seatbelt safety and how to safely cross the street.

"We want to let kids know that cops are good guys; they can come to us," Roach said.