VERO BEACH — Riverside Park was clearly one of the safest places in Vero Beach Tuesday evening, as representatives from all the various law enforcement agencies greeted members of the community at Indian River County’s Night Out Against Crime.
Previously held nationwide only on Aug. 2, sweltering summertime heat prompted several southern locations to switch the date to Oct. 4. Tuesday night’s perfectly delightful weather was a clear indication that they made the right decision.
“The Sheriff’s Office and police come together to meet with their neighbors; the theme is to give back to the community,” said Vero Beach Police Officer John Morrison. “We also invite neighborhood watch groups. It’s showing the bad guys that we are organized.”
The two commended the neighborhood watches, relating there are 12 watch groups in the City of Vero Beach and 42 watch groups in the county.
“It’s just a great event,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Roberta Barker who coordinated the Vero event with Morrison and VBPD Capt. Keith Touchberry.
The crowd also enjoyed free hot dogs and hamburgers, professionally cooked up by VBPD Captain Brian Conway, and lots of goodies for the kids.
Buffed and polished law enforcement vehicles of every shape and size were on display for inspection – motorcycles and police cars, including a snazzy unmarked Mustang, Critical Response Team vans, a U. S. Fish and Wildlife Airboat, Sheriff’s Department helicopter and a fire truck.
Bruce Dangerfield, the county’s animal control officer brought along some beautiful snakes that attracted a fair bit of attention, too.
Courtney Byrd, a captain in the Indian River Sheriff’s Explorers, said she hopes to eventually have a career in law enforcement.
“My uncle is a cop, my brother is in the Army, he has done two tours and my grandpa was in the Navy,” Byrd said. “It’s a family tradition to be in some form of law enforcement.”
The Explorers program introduces students ages 14 to 21 to the field. Jonathan Lozada has been in the program four years, and is now working towards a degree in criminology at Indian River State College.
“I’ve had a strong interest in law enforcement since I was a little kid,” said Lazada. “I’ve always wanted to stop crime and keep people in the community safe.”
“Target has sponsored National Night Out for 25 years,” said Bill Barnes, Target Security Manager. “Target donates $3 million a week to causes worldwide; a big one is law enforcement.”
When a crime does occur, Victims’ Advocates such as Owenlea Messinger step in to help.
“We provide traumatized victims of crime with emotional, physical and financial services,” said Messinger. “We will work as first responders and when the case goes to court, we introduce them to State Attorney’s Advocates. They take them through the entire judiciary process. It’s all about letting victims know that they have rights; we’re there to protect their rights.”
The division’s three staff members are augmented by nine volunteers. Pointing to volunteer Althea Powell, owner of Powell Shoes, Messinger said, “She’s a phenomenal advocate; she’s going to be one of my best.”
VBPD Officer Megan DeWitt was busy taking photos and digital fingerprints of tiny little fingers so that parents would have a permanent record.
As she explained it, “just in case something not so good happens. You hope to never have to bring it out.”
Lee Ford, a volunteer with the American Red Cross was manning “Herb,” a disaster relief truck that just returned from the floods in upstate New York.
“I enjoy every minute of it,” said Ford of the three recent relief trips he participated in.
David Vogt was especially pleased to learn of Sheriff’s Department service where elderly residents are phoned daily to make sure they are alright, and planned to give the information to several friends.
“It’s a nice night,” said Vogt. “It really is.”