Behind the Badge
Several hundred people showed up at Eucalyptus Park in Anaheim Hills to attend the National Night Out and to learn more about the wide range of public safety services available in the city.
“It’s a great opportunity for police and fire and rescue to come together and really show what we do,” said Anaheim Fire Chief Randy Bruegman. “Anything you want to know about public safety, somebody here has the answer.”
Police Chief Raul Quezada agreed with Bruegman and said his hope is to build on events like this and connect further with residents.
“Our goal is to make residents active participants in crime prevention,” he said.
Indeed, in addition to the Police and Fire & Rescue stations, visitors could talk to the Forensics and Robbery teams, mounted police, motorcycle officers, the SWAT team and of course, the K-9 team, who was there with Bruno, the now famous police dog who was shot in the line of duty.
Bruno’s partner RJ Young, told visitors what Bruno’s life is like now in retirement. See video above.
Visitors were treated to a number of different events including a K-9, mounted police and SWAT demonstrations. Children at the Cops4Kids station were treated to face painting.
The National Night Out was started in 1984 by the non-profit group National Association of Town Watch. The annual event brings people together to focus on crime prevention, increase police-community partnership, promote neighborhood camaraderie, and send the message to criminals that the community is organized and will engage with their police department to prevent crime.
The NATW website reports during the first National Night Out, Tuesday, August 7, 1984, 2.5 million American took part in 400 communities across 23 states.
