TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Safety Event A Night To Remember

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - As several youngsters tested their skills on a rock-climbing wall and other visitors focused on a car crash simulator, a "crime" scene unfolded nearby.

A sport utility vehicle careened through temporary barriers into the parking lot of the Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex, pursued by two city police vehicles - red lights flashing and sirens blaring. Within seconds, members of the Emergency Response Team arrived, firearms at the ready and metal shields in hand.

As onlookers gathered in silence, officers persuaded the driver to give up his firearm, step out of the vehicle and lie on the ground.

Then the "criminal" and officers smiled and embraced one another, making it clear that the scene was staged to fit the occasion: Temple Terrace's 25th celebration of National Night Out, an Aug. 5 event designed to strengthen police-community partnerships in the fight against neighborhood crime.

This year's event, coordinated by Temple Terrace police officer Karen Walter, drew an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people, who also checked out a Temple Terrace firetruck and a Tampa General Hospital AeroMed helicopter.

Children shook hands with McGruff the Crime Dog and had their faces painted. The Busch Gardens Sheiks and Temple Terrace Highlanders provided musical entertainment. Visitors enjoyed free treats, such as ice cream and pizza, and picked up brochures from community organizations' exhibits.

Another big attraction was the giveaway of backpacks and school supplies from Target, a longtime national sponsor of National Night Out.

"I am so proud to work for a company that does good, positive things in the community," said Corneshia Williams, a Target assets protection executive.

Police Chief Tony Velong was thrilled with the record turnout.

"It's one of the few times we can get together under good circumstances," Velong said.

Addressing the crowd, he added, "It's also a time to express how much we depend upon you to be our eyes and ears against crime."

Temple Terrace City Manager Kim Leinbach called the affair typical of most of the city's public gatherings.

"It's indicative of the neighborly feel of Temple Terrace," he said. "But it's also an event that obviously shows that the issue of fighting crime in Temple Terrace is taken very seriously."

Beverly Harrell, who lives in Tampa near Temple Terrace and was there with her two daughters and one of their friends, concurred.

"I think this is awesome. It's a very, very nice family event," she said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT