National Night Out unbothered by weather

Chief of Police Brad Faser, center left, with fellow members of SPD at National night Out. Captain Chris Flowers, far right.

SHELBY – Fire trucks, EMS, Wildlife Commission boats, Command Centers, BearCat SWAT vehicle, Sheriff’s cars, Shelby Police cars, lots of people and smiles filled the Shelby City Park Tuesday evening.

Less than perfect weather caused vender and organization booths to be moved indoors, but the rain dwindled to a sprinkle long enough for families to check out various local county vehicles on display out front of the main entrance.

N.C. Wildlife Commission Officers stood poised on a patrol boat used for law enforcement and search and rescue operations. 

“Our job, we’re responsible for all hunting, fishing, trapping and boating regulations for the state,” explained Officer Mike Fussell, with the N.C. Wildlife Commission. “We’re out here today doing some public relations, educating the folks in the public what we do, explaining boating and hunting education and safety.”

N.C. Wildlife Officers Mike Fussell, left, and Thomas Weaver.

Inside the gymnasium, families and individuals flocked across the room, visiting various booths set up by local government, health / medical, law enforcement and other helpful resources.

North Carolina State Troopers, Andrew Osmer and Jay Nance were on-scene, providing details of what the N.C. Highway Patrol does for Cleveland County.

“We’re here to socialize with the kids, to let them know what we do and we’re here for them,” said Trooper Osmer.

“We’re happy to be here,” added Trooper Nance. “To socialize; to talk to the kids, talk to the public and answer any questions they might have.”

The Shelby Police Department had a popcorn machine, handing out freshly popped bags of the treat to kids as they spoke to the public, made new friends and offered to answer any questions.

Captain Chris Flowers talked about how important National Night Out is for the community.

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“This is an initiative that started decades ago. It started out as ‘National night Out against Crime’ and has grown to much more than that,” Flowers said. “It started out with only law enforcement getting out, public safety folks getting out, meeting the community, telling them about resources they might not have known.”

He continued, “Now, we’re actually bringing the resources to the table, to show them and provide some one-on-one education about what we do. Animal Control is here, too; they adopted out some pets to good homes today. We also have Atrium Health, Safe Kids – just a plethora of safety resources for the community, and free hotdogs, popcorn and ice-cream just make it better every time.”

Flowers said Shelby's first National Night Out began on Washington Street, Uptown Shelby, quickly outgrowing that area, then moved to the Pavilion, before eventually hosting the event at its current location.

“We outgrew the city pavilion area, too, and now we’re at the City Park.” Flowers added. “And despite the rain, we have had a really good crowd. We’re pleased to see so many people in the community come out to see what we do and get to know each other, and answer any questions that we can – and have a good time.”

Fireman Jayce Dulin, stands with Engine 22.

Jayce Dulin, a fireman for the City of Shelby, spoke with the Independent why they felt this event is important for the community, stating, “We are showing off the truck a little bit,” he said, referring to Engine 22. “Talk about fire safety, fire prevention and show the public there’s more than just the badge.”

CrimeStoppers was present both in Kings Mountain and Shelby Tuesday night, as Cheryl Yates explained, “We’re here to let the community know what CrimeStoppers is – a lot of people don’t know, so we’re here to inform the public and how they can make a difference with CrimeStoppers.”

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Cheryl Yates and Cynthia Earwood at the CrimeStoppers booth, letting the public know about the critical role it can play in solving a crime. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

NC Troopers Osmer and Nance greet the public at the NCHP booth Tuesday evening. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

Gracie Freeman, left, and Heather Black were there for The City of Shelby. Chuck Thompson | Shelby independent

Mary Jackson with Animal Control took a moment to say, “We’re here to support our dedicated law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel and what they do. Also, to talk with the attendees tonight and answer any questions.”

Sgt. Michael Lovelace showed the Shelby Independent the mobile command post and the BEARCAT SWAT carrier.

“The mobile command post is taken out into he fields as our mobile command center,” said Lovelace. “Negotiators use it and can operate as a field headquarters when needed.”

“The BearCat can be used to get close,” explained Lovelace. “If there’s an active shooter in a house, we can use it to get close without endangering the lives of our deputies.”

National Night Out is an annual event to build the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, promoting safer communities. It is celebrated on the first Tuesday of August.

Sgt. Lovelace, CCSD, stands next to the BearCat. An armored SWAT vehicle on display at National Night Out Tuesday evening. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter for The Shelby Independent.