Fort Jackson joined thousands of communities across the country for a National Night Out, Aug. 4.
National Night Out is about law enforcement getting to know the communities they police face-to-face.
“As law enforcement officers, most of the time you see us is because you are having a tough day, or someone’s in trouble,” said Maj. Joseph Shannonhouse, Fort Jackson’s acting police chief. “We show up at your doorstep, ask a bunch of questions. We pull you over on the side of the road and tell you a bunch of things you’ve done wrong.”
But this night is different.
“Tonight is about stepping out of the patrol car,” Shannonhouse added. “It’s about taking off our tactical gear, taking off our vest, looking each other in the eyes, shaking hands, cracking a few jokes and share a hot dog.”
National Night Out began as a way to make communities safer by empowering residents to work together with their local law enforcement agencies.
The annual event is part of is part of “a national-level community building campaign to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said John Hughes, director of Fort Jackson’s Directorate of Emergency Services.
Shannonhouse elaborated further on that sentiment.
“We, Fort Jackson Police and law enforcement, we want our children to know that the officers in blue, the firefighters in red, and the (military policemen) in uniform are their friends, their neighbors, and their protectors,” Shannonhouse added.
The event began with a parade of emergency vehicles through the housing areas. It culminated with community members being able to interact with law enforcement personnel from Fort Jackson and the Greater Columbia, South Carolina area.
There were also booths promoting healthy living as part of Defending Wellness, a part of National Wellness Month.
“Keeping Fort Jackson safe is not a solo mission,” Shannonhouse said. “It’s a massive team effort.”
He asked the community to remain vigilant and if they “See something, Say something.”
(Editor’s note: There will be a virtual symposium Aug. 11 as part of National Wellness Month from 9-11 a.m. at the 1917 Club and streamed on Fort Jackson social media sites.)