FORT CARSON, Colo. -- As rain poured and lightning crackled across the sky, few community members gathered in the parking lot of Soldiers' Memorial Chapel Tuesday for the annual National Night Out.
"This is the fourth year in a row this has happened," said Lt. Bob Covelli, Provost Marshal Office. "We try and keep it close with the national (event) as possible, but for whatever reason the weather has never favored us. But, we're (in) high spirits."
The official date for the national event was also Tuesday. According to the event website, more than 37 million people attended similar events in 15,000 communities in 2011. The event, now in its 29th year, is intended to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anticrime programs and strengthen police-community partnerships.
Covelli joined other civilian and military police officers as well as members of the Fort Carson Fire Department for the event, which offers the community a chance to interact with public safety personnel.
"Our goal is to allow the public to see what law enforcement does," Covelli said.
Representatives from several Fort Carson programs, including Army Community Service, Army Substance Abuse Program and the USO, handed out information and prizes to attendees.
The event featured a seat belt demonstrator, a mobile police lab and firefighter "smoke house," which simulates a fire and tests participants on their escape plans.
"We're providing safety education to the base population," said Aaron Crossett, fire inspector. "We're providing the proper evacuation procedures as well as fire-related safety material for the kids to take home."
Although the weather prevented the simulations at the smoke house from taking place, community members still learned fire safety tips from Crossett and the rest of the firefighters.
After several minutes of intense downpour, the clouds dissipated and the sun returned.
"We figured (National Night Out) would be a good thing to bring the kids to so we brought the whole crew," said Melody O'Dell, volunteer with ACS.
Spc. Brian Slater, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, brought his Family to the event.
"(We came out) so they could see everything," Slater said, adding that the event was a good opportunity to meet law enforcement officials without "being on the other side."
Officials from ASAP set up an obstacle course and provided a golf cart and "drunk" goggles so community members could see how alcohol impairs driving a vehicle.
"It was rough," said Pfc. Nathan Chase, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Reg., 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "It was difficult to see. … Don't drive drunk and stay where you're at (if you have been drinking)."
In a designated part of the parking lot, representatives from Memorial Health System and the Kohl's Cares Care Safety Program inspected child passenger safety restraints in vehicles.
O'laka Smith had both of her children's seats examined.
"It was beneficial," she said. "It showed me how to keep the seatbelt tighter at the base."
Covelli said it is that education component that makes these safety events so important.
"We're here to establish a rapport with the public," he said. "We're here to serve the community."
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