Parties, police and crime prevention

 Deputy Castellano (Swat) outfits Colin

National Night Out in Douglas County

Hundreds of people got out of their homes to meet their neighbors, talk to sheriff’s deputies and send a message to bad guys that they’re fighting back against drugs and crime. More than 30 parties were held across unincorporated Douglas County Tuesday night in the 29^th National Night Out.

Kids try Swat gear at Glenstone Trail

"This is our favorite night of the year," Suzanne Wolf said, wearing a huge smile.




Wolf helped throw a party on Coyote Street in Highlands Ranch for dozens of her neighbors and their children with food, activities and a visit by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.

Thousands of people from Fort Collins to Durango participated in National Night Out Tuesday in Colorado.  Last year, more than 37 million people across the country took part in America’s anti-crime campaign.



4-year-old Alyce Tobin

Patrol deputies, explorers, detention officers, dispatchers, McGruff the crime-fighting dog and even Sheriff David Weaver himself told people how they can cut down on auto theft and break-ins. They also handed out bags full of donations from Target.

“Our children loved seeing all of the police vehicles and the K-9 units,” Kristin Bergstrom on Glenstone Trail said. “This was the first time our daughter Addison sat on a motorcycle. She was still talking about it when she woke up.” 


Deputy Riffel shows off transport vehicle

The Bergstroms, who just moved here from Florida, said it was a great opportunity to meet people and learn about the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. It was also the first night out for the Tobin family on Parkside Drive. Deputies talked to them about keeping an eye out for strangers in their neighborhood.



Motorcycle Deputies Nicholson, McDowell, Compton

“The more people who are vigilant, the better,” Eileen Tobin said, who signed up for the neighborhood watch Tuesday night.

 

The neighbors on Crosspointe Drive are old pros at the event. Roberta Passer usually throws the party at her house and her husband grills. But Tuesday night, he was away on a fishing trip, so she ordered pizza.

 

“We like talking to the Sheriff’s deputies because we find out what problems exist in the area and they remind us about what to do, like keeping our garage doors closed,” Passer said. “It’s a great way for us to stay connected.”

Having fun on Coyote Street

Neighbor Rick Peterson tries to never miss the night out.

 “All of my friends and neighbors are here getting caught up and we get to say hi to the people who keep us safe and happy.”

Peterson got to meet two 9-1-1 dispatchers who take emergency calls for his neighborhood. Before this, they were faceless, nameless voices on the phone.

“I love being out here talking to the citizens and talking to the kids and showing them what 9-1-1 is for,” Keara Martin, whose been dispatching for 8.5 years, said. “They can see that we’re real human beings. It puts it all into perspective.”


Animal Control Cahill and Schrock

Dispatcher Sierra Bishop, who just started her job in Douglas County this year, was glad to get out and meet the people she talks with every day. 

“We normally hear bad things in emergencies, so it’s good to talk to people now without all of that happening,” Bishop said.

Neighbors really got to see a different side of people who work for the Sheriff.

“We got to meet some people officers and that showed that they’re part of the community, they’re not adversarial. They’re here to help,” Marilyn Flood of Ravenswood Lane said. “I love this.”


Sheriff David Weaver poses with neighbors on Crosspointe Dr.

Kids explore the jail transport vehicle

Sheriff Weaver thanks all of the participants, volunteers and businesses that donated to the 2012 National Night Out.