VERO BEACH — Tucked under the oaks at Riverside Park, more than a dozen law enforcement vehicles sat parked, their lights pulsing as grandparents, parents and children walked by, oohing and aahing at the hypnotic sight.
Both the Vero Beach Police Department and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office played host to the annual community Night Out event, which serves as a meet-and-greet of sorts between law enforcement and the general public.
“It’s the one night of the year everyone comes together,” Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey said.
The department has participated in what is known as National Night Out Against Crime for more than a dozen years – perhaps as many as 20 – according to the chief.
The event coordinates multiple agencies, including Indian River County Fire Rescue and Florida Fish and Wildlife among others, as well as various public groups, such as the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County and the Community Emergency Response Team.
Businesses, too, take part, using the event as an opportunity to make the public aware of the safety services they provide.
“We have common concerns,” Chief Currey said.
One such business on hand was Lowe’s, which provided a children’s craft booth and highlighted various safety products the store carries.
Tanya Rosario, an install sales coordinator at Lowe’s, said participating in Night Out fits with the company’s mission to be involved in community outreach.
Twelve-year-old Dustin came out to the event with his family and said he was having fun. His favorite part was meeting the K-9s from the Sheriff’s Office.
“I like all dogs,” he said, but meeting Dixie, the 7-year-old Bloodhound, was especially fun.
Dixie is best utilized in tracking missing, non-criminal-related people, said her human partner Dep. Brian Reimsnyder – missing children or Alzheimer’s patients or those in need of being Baker Acted. The deputy handles another dog, too, Kobi, a 4-year-old who looks like a German Shepherd but isn’t.
Dustin’s mom, Deni Dixon, said they came out to Night Out in part just for something to do, but also for the children to interact with law enforcement in a positive way.
“It’s very important for the kids to realize” police are the good guys, she said.