Hundreds of local residents turned out on Aug. 1 for National Night Out in downtown Mobile, Alabama. The event—led by the Community Services Division of the Mobile Police Department—created awareness surrounding safety and gave citizens opportunities to interact with various first-response agencies.
Groups such as the Mobile Fire-Rescue, Mobile Marine Police and other city agencies provided demonstrations and information about their organizations at the Mobile Civic Center.
As a leading educator of first-responders, CSU was proud to be a co-sponsor, along with approximately 30 local businesses and organizations in support of National Night Out.
“We had a great time meeting Mobile residents and the many first-responder agencies at National Night Out,” said Vicki Barnes, CSU director of community outreach. “We had staff members from academic advising, instructional design and academics join our community relations team to help distribute CSU and National Night out paraphernalia. It was also wonderful seeing the community come out and watch first-responders show what they do on a daily basis,” she added.
The team gave out CSU and National Night Out gear, talked with attendees and met with several CSU graduates and students. One of the key organizers of the event, Officer Sharon Lewis, commented on the significance of the event as it was formerly held at the Bel Air Mall in Mobile for several years.
“This is our first time holding it at the Civic Center and we are glad things went well,” she explained. “We needed more room because this has really grown,” she said.
National Night Out activities included a Crime Prevention 5K Run/Walk in Bienville Square. More than 300 runners participated in the event that began on Royal Street at St. Francis Street with the finish line at Conception Street.
At the center, the Mobile Police Department motorcycle unit staged an obstacle course to show how officers train to prepare for traffic enforcement, patrol duties, escorts and parades. The K-9 unit showed how it assists in criminal investigations and searches and the Mobile Fire Department demonstrated several rescue techniques. Local performers danced and entertained the crowd, too.
