Bethel Target & Bethel Chamber Partner to Present 29th Annual National Night Out

Bethel Target & Bethel Chamber Partner to Present 29th Annual National Night Out

This year marks the second year Bethel Target has presented National Night Out (NNO), and the first time they have teamed up with the Bethel Chamber of Commerce to present the free community safety event. This is the 29th year the  nationwide event has been held in order for fire, law enforcement, CERT teams and community groups to instruct the community on safety and prevention.

According to their website, National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events.

The Bethel Target/Bethel Chamber National Night Out included a cookout, children’s activities and demonstrations from local officials and law enforcement. A mock rescue  was performed by firefighters  to demonstrate how lifesaving tools can take the doors, roof and dashboard off of a car in a matter of minutes to get to an accident victim.

Bethel Police Sgt. Robert Durkin and his K-9 dog Asco performed demonstrations with the help of Brookfield Police and their K-9 unit. In 2005, Asco was purchased by the Bethel Police Department after he was imported from the Czech Republic. The purchase was made possible due to a Bethel resident who donated the money. Officer Robert Durkin was chosen to handle Asco and the two have been teamed up since 2005. Asco is a 9-year-old male German Shepherd who  is certified in both Patrol and Narcotics. The K-9 team recertifies yearly with the North American Police Work Dog Association and the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association. Since 2005, Asco has helped locate missing children, criminal suspects and has assisted in many drug arrests.