HAINERBERG, Germany — The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Directorate of Emergency Services, in partnership with local German emergency, security, and relief agencies, held this year’s National Day Out on Sept. 3.
During the event, USAG Wiesbaden community membershad theopportunity to interact with these organizations and learn about the different emergency and relief organizations.
“It's an American tradition to celebrate National Night Out every third week in August with the police,” said Lt. Col. Johnny Howze, director of emergency services. “Here we do it during the day so the schools can attend, and we've invited all of the surrounding emergency services that we have.”
National Night Out was originally created to help communities build relationships with those who protect them.
Overseas military communities face a unique dynamic: navigating both U.S. and German emergency systems.
“It's a great event for the community to come out, celebrate their emergency services, and just get to know them,” Howze said. “Some people have never interacted with the host-nation Polizei. This event gives them the opportunity to meet them and see the people who provide emergency services on and off the installation.” German partner agencies echoed that sentiment.
“It’s so that we, as the German police, can present ourselves, to show that we’re heretoo, that we don’t make any distinctions, and that we’re approachable,” said Chief Inspector Daniel Wallrven of the Wiesbaden Police Department.
The Wiesbaden fire department also emphasized seamless community safety across the jurisdictions.
“No matter where they are in Germany or in Wiesbaden, no matter what kind of problem they have, if they dial 112 or 911 on their cellphone, they’re always guaranteed to get help, whether it’s medical assistance, the police, or the fire department,” said Sven Janneck, Wiesbaden Fire Department liaison officer.
The Wiesbaden event served as an educational day to showcase emergency resources, capabilities, and equipment to children and families. It also highlighted the daily collaboration between U.S. and German first responders.
Howze explained that U.S. Military Police and Department of the Army Civilian Police work closely with our host-nation partners.
“We work hand in hand with them on everything that we do,” Howze said.
Over 15 German and American emergency and first responder organizations supported the event. Participating organizations included:
Police & Security: K-9 Unit, Hessian Police, Hessian Mounted Police Unit, 525th Military Police Detachment, 18th Military Police Brigade.
Fire & Rescue: USAG Wiesbaden Fire Station, Wiesbaden City Fire Department (with various emergency vehicles), German High-Altitude Rescue Team
Medical & Aid Services: German Red Cross (DRK), American Red Cross
In partnership with the local schools and Child and Youth Services, more than 700 children participated in the event.