SEBASTIAN — More than 100 people gathered under the trees at Riverview Park in Sebastian eager to collect freebies, watch a K-9 demonstration, tour a Coast Guard helicopter and more – all before the rains washed out the event less than an hour into it.
For at least 11 years, the Sebastian Police Department has participated in National Night Out Against Crime – now calling it Community Night Out because the City opted for a different, typically more weather friendly evening.
“It gets the community together with the police department,” Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris said of why the department hosts the annual event. She added that she wants the public to “know what it takes to stay safe,” to ask questions and become knowledgeable.
The event also serves as a way to open the lines of communication between the community and law enforcement, Chief Morris said, who noted that, while the community as a whole doesn’t hesitate to call in tips, any opportunity to strengthen that bond is a good one to take.
“We’re out there every day,” she said.
Of the hundred or so who braved the ever-darkening skies were 6-year-old Dante and his brother, Valen, 3, who came with their grandparents Richard and Mary Ostrowski.
“He looks forward to it every year,” Richard said of Dante, who’s been to the Community Night Out event the last few years.
Dante, who had a plastic bag over his arm to protect a cast for his broken wrist, eagerly took in the sights at the US ATF booth. Both he and his brother marveled at the helmet, shield and other gear the ATF uses.
The boys got to hold a pair of handcuffs and Valen was allowed to try on a helmet, which prompted his grandfather to take a photo just before the skies opened up and everyone scattered for cover.
Though the weather forced a mass evacuation from the park less than an hour into the event, those who were able to participate appeared to have a fun time.
