The excitement, the displays, the demonstrations and the attendance seem to get better every year at the annual Sebastian Community Night Out, hosted by the Sebastian Police Department. The event took place last Thursday evening at Riverview Park and, according to Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris, “It was great! A huge success!”
The goal is to bring the community together for fun, of course, but also to allow people to get up close and personal with the many faces of law enforcement who make sure 24/7, 365, that homes, neighborhoods and towns are safe and secure.
Well over 300 adults and children spent the evening checking out the interactive displays, chatting with law enforcement personnel and oohing and aahing over the imposing array of equipment used by the many agencies represented.
The stars of the evening were the emergency response vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, boats and aircraft. A breathless and prop-washed crowd, many with hands over ears, watched as a rescue chopper landed in the grassy field along the river. The children’s screams of delight were drowned out by the thump-thump of rotor blades and the deep-throated roar of the engine. Many of the dads were happy to accompany their offspring to the chopper for a closer look and a talk with the crew.
Among the varied local, county, state and federal agencies represented were the Sebastian, Fellsmere, Vero Beach and Indian River Shores police departments and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department, and Marine Patrol. Several local nonprofits and businesses were represented as well.
The always popular field demonstrations by the Sebastian K-9 Unit officers and their partners drew a big crowd, amazed as always at the teamwork and lightning-quick responses by the elegant canines.
The vibe was kept upbeat with DJ music and the endlessly energetic Sebastian Has Hip-Hop Dance Team. When a giant soap-bubble gun filled the air with “snowflakes,” a couple of SPD officers even joined in on the hip-hop fun, dancing along with the kids.
