SEBASTIAN — From K-9 demonstrations and fingerprinting to home security and safe traveling, about 500 Sebastian and area residents descended on Riverview Park Tuesday evening to help take back the night from crime.
A couple hundred gathered near the pavilion to watch K-9 Titan track down hidden drugs in a car and tackle a fleeing “suspect.” With gasps and applause, the audience took in the K-9’s prowess, marveling at Titan’s ability.
“They love to do the bite work,” said Sebastian Police Officer Ben Delaney as Titan clutched Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Adamson’s arm. “To them, it’s a game.”
Deputy Adamson then lifted his arm and began to spin in a futile attempt to get Titan to release.
Kelly Hrybenko brought her 4-year-old grandson, James Daniel Brown, to Sebastian’s Night Out Against Crime to teach him about safety.
“They pick it up really quick,” Hrybenko said of the knowledge the kids receive traveling from booth to booth.
James said the best part was getting to sit in the cop car – front and back.
“You always wear your…” Hrybenko led James.
“Seatbelt,” he said.
“And what number do you call when you need help?” she quizzed him.
“9-9-1,” he said.
Hrybenko chuckled and corrected him – “9-1-1.”
The pair will continue to work on the correct number.
“We didn’t realize this was going on,” said Sebastian newcomer Lisa Habberfield, who had her son, 6-year-old Keith, in tow.
Keith said his favorite part was getting to explore one of the helicopters.
“We’re definitely doing the child ID before we leave,” Habberfield said.
“It’s all about education,” Sebastian Police Officer Steve Marcinik said of the annual event.
Along with the K-9 demonstrations and child identification kits, various law enforcement agencies and safety-related vendors set up booths providing information on keeping people and property safe.
Among those in attendance were the American Red Cross, US Border Patrol, the Florida East Coast Rail Police, Treasure Coast Community Health, Substance Awareness Council, BJ Locksmith and Indian River Concealed Carry, to name a few.
“It was packed,” Officer Marcinik said of the attendance and vendor participation. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”