By Brian Stanley
For the Bugle
It’s not unusual to see a dunk tank when the police department hosts the National Night Out as Shorewood did Aug. 6.
But the Shorewood Police may be more efficient than most when it comes to raising funds for Special Olympics Illinois. For a $5 donation, you get a few balls to throw at the target while an officer is in the tank, for a $10 donation, you get more ammunition.
“And for $20, you can just walk up and knock them on it,” Deputy Chief Jason Barten said. “I came on for my turn in the tank and they lined up with $20 bills coming out of their hands.”
The “Night Out” is designed to show the police department and the community can come together to have fun and learn about each other while promoting safety and crime prevention.
Outside the police station, a DJ played music as volunteers sold pizza and popcorn. Kids were given a chance to jump in a bouncehouse and climb into police and fire vehicles and sound the horn on a tow truck.
“This gives residents an opportunity to see us as normal people while having a good time,” Barten said. “I think they’re more comfortable to ask us questions compared to when we’re out on a call.”
Inside the station, groups were taken on tours and take target practice with pistols identical to what Shorewood officers carry – except these register hits on a computer screen instead of firing bullets. The recoil is also the same, Barten noted.
Several times, rookie police officers and firefighter volunteers were used for Taser demonstrations in an area of the parking lot covered by a mat. The first responders were electrically stunned for five seconds as spotters stood nearby to help them fall. Though no one complained of pain, everyone acknowledged their ability — and desire – to fight with a police officer was effectively stopped.
Chief Aaron Klima said Shorewood Police have held National Night Out for almost 10 years and hope to add a new “attraction” each year. This year had both the dunk tank and demonstrations by the department’s new canine, Rookie.
“I think some people may be tired from (the village’s) Crossroads Festival (which ended two days earlier), but next year National Night Out will be before the festival,” Klima said.