Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Lilith Johnson | Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) 3rd Class Pablo Necoechea talks with officers of...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kevin F. Johnson
USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Sailors and Marines took part in a ride-along program with local law enforcement in Broward County, Fla., during Fleet Week Port Everglades, April 25-30.
More than 60 service members signed up for the program, which gives military members and members of the public an inside look into what police officers do on a daily basis.
“For the military, it’s honestly the least we can do,” said Sgt.Todd Michael, the administration sergeant of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Pompano Beach District. “It makes great interaction between us, lets military see what we do, and lets our guys hear stories about what military life is like.”
Ride-along participants spent eight hours riding with one officer, almost a full shift. During which time officers give an inside look into the typical calls that they receive during a shift.
“Some people think it’s just about pulling people over and writing tickets,” said Deputy Stephanie Newton, an officer with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Pompano Beach District. “But we handle pretty much everything that happens in our zone, which could be anything from a domestic violence call to someone accidentally pushing the silent alarm at a local business.”
Officials encourage the officers to include the ride-along participants in as many ways as possible, while always keeping safety in mind.
“They let you know what you can and can’t do, when you can walk up with them, or when they want you to stay in the car,” said Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Langston of the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64). “You’re like their honorary backup for the whole shift.”
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office holds the program year-round for members of the public, and includes service members every year during Fleet Week. The turnout is often large, and the feedback is always positive.
“I think that sailors appreciate more the sacrifice and service that these officers give their community and country,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Petty Officer 3rd Class Pablo Necoechea of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). “It not only gives great insight into their lives, but also gives sailors a chance to experience something they might be interested in doing once they leave the service.”
Wasp is in Port Everglades, April 25-30, as part of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration. Overall, there will be about 3,000 Sailors and Marines and six ships in attendance. The commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 is a salute to all sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who have served in our nations’ conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2012 17:54 |
| Story ID: | 87569 |
| Location: | POMPANO BEACH, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 222 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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