JBER participates in Mountain View’s Night Out

The Mountain View community hosted its 18th annual National Night Out event at the Boys and Girls Club in Anchorage Aug. 6.

National Night Out began in 1984 as a crime-prevention program focused on building partnerships between local law enforcement and the community.

The annual campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

“The event is a really important to [law enforcement] because we’re able to interact with the community and provide a positive experience,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Tony Higgs, a 673d Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer. “While it was my first time at the event, it’s definitely something I plan to continue attending.”

Community members, civic leaders and law enforcement personnel joined together for the event to emphasize crime prevention, as well as to gather information from base and community agencies.

The night out was also an opportunity to socialize with neighbors.

The event included free food, Sparky the fire dog, McGruff the crime dog, local law enforcement interaction from both on- and-off base, a rock-climbing wall, a petting zoo and other fun, educational opportunities for the community.

More than 20 vendors also participated in the event, with each vendor providing activities for attendees.

Demonstrations from units on base included the fire department and 673d SFS military working dogs.

“National Night Out is an important event for the Mountain View community; it shows that there can be diversity without crime rates being high,” said Zakia Morgan, National Night Out event coordinator. “It’s great to see everyone come together and get involved in something positive.”

With this year’s event concluded, Morgan said she hopes the community support and safety continues throughout the year.