National Night Out – Wilton Manors’ Night Out Against Crime

Citizens in Wilton Manors locked their doors, turned on the porch lights, and gathered with friends and neighbors in the front yard to barbeque and visit with one another on the evening of Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 for National Night Out.

This annual event is recognized nation wide as the night citizens in communities all across the country send a message to criminals and would be criminals alike that they are uniting to not only curb crime, but to also refuse to be victims in their own homes and neighborhoods.

Wilton Manors Police Chief Richard Perez, Operations Captain “Dee” Seibert, and ten of their Officers and Detectives visited the various block parties and events held around the City. Officers gave out hand fans, glow sticks, bracelets and reflectors to the kids, and had the opportunity to show some of the equipment they use on a daily basis. Sergeant Ed Costello rode in on the Department’s new “T3,” a three wheeled vehicle that moves around in tight spaces and crowds. It is used during events and busy areas within the City. Officer Grant Gundle displayed the Department’s two wheeled Segway. K-9 Officer Scott Jordan gave demonstrations with his new partner “Caja”, a Dutch Sheppard used as a narcotics detection K-9. Officer Bonnie Owens showed off one of the new Stealth Traffic Enforcement Vehicles purchased with confiscated funds.

Overall, this was an excellent opportunity for the citizens and Police Officers to get to know each other better, while at the same time signify that the Wilton Manors Police Department is partnering with the community to make Wilton Manors a safer place to live and work.