Ellsworth Airmen participate in National Night Out event

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BOX ELDER, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Security Forces Squadron and 28th Medical Group participated in an event to help familiarize Airmen and Box Elder residents with their public safety organizations Aug. 2, 2011.

National Night Out, hosted by the Box Elder Police Department, was held at Bandit Ball Field to enhance public safety and prevent crime through awareness and communication.

"This is about crime prevention, and we feel that if you want to prevent crime, you really have to know your neighbors and know the people living around you," said Timothy Ryan, Box Elder Police Department chief of police. "There are a lot of new Airmen coming into town here and we're trying to provide a vehicle here where they can meet their public safety people and ask them any questions. This is a great night to get people up close and personal and get them on a one on one basis."

Some of the public safety organizations on hand to answer questions were the Box Elder Police Department, Pennington County Sherriff's Office and Emergency Services. Airmen from the 28th SFS military working dog section conducted a demonstration, and a table display of a variety of weapons was provided by the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance flight. Airmen from the 28th MDG provided a display that included a wide range of health related literature and handouts.

"It's great for our Airmen to introduce themselves to the local community because these are our neighbors, these are the people we swear to defend every day we put on the uniform," said Master Sgt. Drayton Denson, 28th SFS police services NCO in charge. "Events like National Night Out not only strengthen our bond with our local community, but allow us to strengthen our relationships with the local law enforcement."