FORT GORDON, Ga. - The Directorate of Emergency Services annual National Night Out is a national crime prevention event held the second Tuesday of August and took place this year at the 41st Street and Brainard Ave. playground with military police, firefighters, and 911 representatives spending time with local residents to talk about crime prevention, and how to keep the neighborhoods of Fort Gordon, Ga., safe.
Lucinda M. McConnell, a resident of Fort Gordon, and spouse of Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey I. McConnell, brought her children to the event as a way to familiarize them with law enforcement personnel.
“It gives us an opportunity for the kids to see the different events going on, and opens their eyes to see the MPs here on post and to let them know they’re safe,” she said.
Visitors were able to interact with emergency workers and get a close up look at a number of emergency vehicles from police cars to fire engines. The evening also included a military working dog demonstration courtesy of the 222nd MP Detachment, military working dog section.
Garrison leaders were on site speaking with family members and engaging the local news media. According to Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Stockton, garrison command sergeant major, knowledge is the key when it comes to preventing crime.
“I think crime prevention should be on everyone’s mind,” said Stockton. “Every service member should know who to contact if an emergency arises, and how to call 911 and they should call 911.”
When asked what he would say to a family member or service member who may be hesitant to contact 911, Stockton said to err on the side of caution and make that phone call.
“It doesn’t cost us any more money to call 911. They’re the ones who are trained for any type of emergency situation; call the experts,” he said.
According to Sgt. David Lawson, supervisor for military police investigations, the residents of Fort Gordon are safe.
“A lot of people don’t realize we have a special reactionary team, that we have a bike patrol, they don’t see that we have canine officers with all-terrain vehicles patrolling the fence lines,” said Lawson. “They get to see everything come together and everything we have to offer.”
To those family members whose spouse may be deployed or away from home for an extended period of time, Lawson offers reassurance.
“Fort Gordon is extremely safe,” he said. “I live here on the base, my family lives here on the base, and I’m away at times and believe me, they are safe here on the installation.”