The public had the opportunity on Tuesday, Aug. 6 to peek behind the curtains to get a glimpse of the workday life of first responders.
From drug sniffing K-9s, to drones; from jaws of life to medical emergencies – first responders play a vital role in the community and the community had the opportunity to honor those who put their lives on the line by attending a National Night Out event held in McIntosh County.
The event is a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes strong police-first responders-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our city a safer, more caring place to live and work.
Communities across the nation host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.
Last week’s Night Out included demonstrations and activates by: – The Eufaula Police Department and K-9 Unit – McIntosh County Sheriff ’s Department – Corps of Engineers – Eufaula Fire Department – McIntosh Game Wardens – and more This was a collaborative effort put on by the City of Eufaula, the Eufaula Police Department, Lake Dog K-9 Charitable Foundation and a host of First Responders who volunteered to participate.
This is one of several fundraising events by the Foundation, which helps pay for vet bills, tactical gear, and food for the K-9 officers working with the county and the Eufaula Police Department.
The City of Eufaula and the Eufaula Police Department initiated the local National Night Out.
“We coordinated,” said Shari Wilkins.
She and her husband John Wilkins own Lake Dog.
“He has wanted to do this for a long time,” Shari said.
It finally became a reality last week.
“We want all the kids to see first responders in uniform and the good they do. We want everyone to see all the new things they have to help protect the community,” Shari said.
Police Chief David Bryning took the opportunity to demonstrate a few of the advancements he has made since becoming chief, including three drone aircrafts that are like having flying K-9 officers.
“We’ve worked hard to bring the department up to where it needs to be,” Bryning said. “The whole community has worked with us to modernize the police department and we are grateful to everyone in the community.”
The drones cost about $7,000 apiece. One is owned by the chief, the second one is owned by Eufaula Police Sgt. Kelly Stubblefield and the third is owned by the City of Eufaula.
It is fully automatic. Push a button or two and it can identify a suspect and it can follow him or her up to about 20 miles.
AI technology allows the drone to identify people and cars.
A camera shows the suspect and an officer following a pursuit on a screen can speak to the person on a loudspeaker.
The Eufaula PD has new body cameras for its officers also.
A search and rescue boat is almost completely outfitted and ready for use.
“I’ve wanted to upgrade our equipment ever since I started.”
Other activities at the Night Out event included a demonstration by a drug-sniffing K-9 and the jaws of life used by the Eufaula Fire Department as Chief Chad French told why stepby- step instructions had to be implemented to protect the victim injured in a wreck and to protect the responders cutting them out of the wreckage, plus more.
National Night Out originated in 1994 as a community service and a public awareness campaign.
“It was to build community rapport and outreach and to give the public a chance to approach everyone and ask questions,” Bryning said.
Also involved in the event were the OHP, Park Rangers and domestic violence teams.
