OAK HARBOR, Wash. — Island County residents, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) servicemembers and local law enforcement participated in the 32nd annual National Night Out (NNO), Aug. 4.
NNO promotes unity and education for citizens about crime and safety with joint efforts from multiple law enforcement organizations.
“It’s a team between Island County, Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for security and law enforcement,” said NASWI executive officer, Cmdr. Steve Richards.
This provides community members an opportunity to speak to local law enforcement authorities with any questions or concerns they may have.
“It lets the community know a little bit more about law enforcement,” said Oak Harbor Police Department (OHPD) Chaplain, Ron Lawler. “They talk to you, shake your hands and you can ask them questions.”
Naval participation in this event reminds the citizens that NASWI cares about being an active member of the community.
“We have a lot of people living out in town,” said Richards. “We’re a big part of the community. We have to do our part to support the community.”
Sailors at NASWI understand their ability to impact the Navy’s image on the island.
“The Navy is a huge part of Whidbey Island,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Alexander Rodriguez. “It’s good to let the people know that we are active and that we care.”
OHPD believes outreach events and an open flow of information leads to a better sense of community.
“People need to know who’s in their communities,” said Edgar J. Green, OHPD chief of Police. “They need to know who’s policing their communities.”
NASWI security forces and OHPD know they can trust and rely on each other when needed.
“They’re wonderful partners to the city,” said Green.
“I think we work well together,” said Rodriguez. “They always have our backs.”
| Date Taken: |
08.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: |
08.18.2015 15:18 |
| Story ID: |
173512 |
| Location: |
WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: |
43 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, NASWI participates in National Night Out, by PO3 Caleb Cooper, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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