JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The 802nd Security Forces Squadron hosted National Night Out here Oct. 6, 2015.
Brig. Gen. Trent Edwards, 37th Training Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Robert Ford, 802nd SFS commander, started the event with opening remarks about enhancing neighborhood relationships and community-police partnerships.
National Night Out is an annual neighborhood crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, which is a non-profi t crime prevention organization.
The event, which had approximately 300 attendees, included multiple demonstrations and a wide range of activities, displays and booths.
As part of a Taser demonstration, Chief Master Sgt. Lori Gawan, 502nd Installation Support Group superintendent, volunteered to be tasered. Afterwards, Staff Sgt. Paul Olmos and Airman Travis Counts, 802nd SFS military working dog handlers, showcased MDWs’ skills during a demonstration with Sonja.
There was also an assortment of emergency services and law enforcement vehicles on display including police cars, Humvees and fire trucks. In addition, there was a bouncy castle, a firearms display, a face painting station and a station that taught children how to scare away attackers with a baton. In another station, security forces members assisted children in safely using a Taser to shoot a target.
Along with the demonstrations and activities, there were booths set up by local organizations like San Antonio Explores, Girl Scouts and AAFES. The 802nd SFS also had a booth for privately-owned weapons registration.