News

PINE BLUFF CELEBRATES NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

By Bobbie Harville/Special to the Commercial
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 11:29 PM CDT

The Pine Bluff Convention Center was abuzz Tuesday night as hundreds of local residents enjoyed free food, live music and an array of fun and educational activities. It was all part of the 26th Annual National Night Out. During the event, which is celebrated in communities across the country, residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening with their neighbors and police.

Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald Zemirah Compton, 2, poses with Ronald McDonald Tuesday evening during National Night Out at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

“It’s citizens coming out to show their support for their community and their support to fight crime,” said Sgt. Richard Davies, of the Pine Bluff Police Department. “It’s all about the community coming together.”

“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” said David Wells of Pine Bluff as he sat eating a free hamburger and chips with a group of friends. “It gets the kids off the streets and gives them something to do and lets them learn how the police and fire departments operate and keep people safe.”

Many people, including 16-year-old Patrick Owens of White Hall, look forward to the event every year.

“I want to be a police officer,” he said. “I can come out here and talk ho them and see the SWAT equipment and the canine unit.”

Many residents learned not to burn while touring the Pine Bluff Fire Department’s Smoke House. Realistic but non-toxic smoke rose from a corner of the house which was equipped with a “hot” stove and a video on fire safety.

“It’s designed to teach people how to get out of a house in any type of fire situation,” explained firefighter LaChelle Maddox.

Allison Moore carried her one-year-old son Jalen around to the various exhibits which included such community organizations as Neighborhood Watch.

“It’s a fun event and you get to see all of the services available in the city,” Moore said, adding that she was enjoying the good music provided by the Cummins Unit Band.

One of the popular attractions was the climbing wall sponsored by the Army National Guard.

Stephanie Ferguson of Pine Bluff watched and snapped pictures with her camera phone as her 8-year-old daughter, Cierra, made her way up to the top.

“I think it’s good that our children are able to enjoy a positive event sponsored by the Pine Bluff Police Department,” she said.

For Cierra, it provided an experience she wouldn’t have had otherwise.

“You get to climb up and you feel like you’re on a mountain,” she said. “With the harness, you don’t have to worrying about falling down.”

The local National Night Out was sponsored by the Pine Bluff Police Department, Chief John Howell and the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association. The association is accepting applications from citizens who want to learn about local law enforcement through such activities as ride-alongs with police officers.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

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