Photo by staff.
National Night Out
Sheriff’s deputies show the public their crime-fighting equipment.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will host their annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Walmart in Chelsea.
The event, which began in 1984, is an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It will feature information booths and giveaways in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Members of the tactical units will be doing show-and-tell, and patrol officers will also be on hand. Visitors can also take a look at some of the department’s vehicles.
“Weather permitting, we will have our new sheriff’s office helicopter there,” said Deputy Debbie Sumrall, who handles community outreach for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. “They will land it in the parking lot and people can get an up-close look at it.”
The Chelsea Fire Department played a big role in last year’s event and will do so again this year.
“They will have a lot of interactive and educational activities for the public and kids,” Sumrall said. “They will have Hero the Fire Dog and Sparky their robot there, as well.”
In addition to giving installation training for car seats, the Chelsea Fire Department will be debuting a new program at this year’s National Night Out. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the Fire Department is going to launch its smoke detector installation program that night.
“People can sign up at National Night Out, and they will come out to your house and install a smoke detector for you, completely free of charge,” Sumrall said.
Other agencies committed to participate at National Night Out are Owen’s House, U.S. Army Recruiting Station, Safe House, Chelsea Citizens on Patrol, the FOX6 Storm Team, Legal Services, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Shelby County Drug Free Coalition.
“All these organizations will have handouts and materials to give to adults and children,” Sumrall said. “That’s their purpose, to raise awareness and let the public know what resources they have to help.”
National Night Out is free and open to the public, and will take place from 5-7pm. Walmart will provide food and drinks.
Other Shelby County locations for National Night Out include Alabaster and Montevallo. For updates on the event, check the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
National Night Out
- Chelsea Walmart
- Oct. 6 from 5-7 p.m.
