Behind the Badge
Despite the heat, scores of residents turned out Tuesday, Aug. 7, to enjoy the Orange PD’s 12th-annual National Night Out.
Held in the parking lot of Target, the look and layout of the event was a standout, attendees said, with eye-catching banners above exhibit tables that easily directed residents to the various display booths.
Children enjoyed the interactive games at the Orange Police Dispatch, Orange Library, and Elk’s Service Dogs exhibits.
The DUI goggle demo and MADD Crash Car display made a lasting impact to never drive under the influence.
And, as always, the K9 and the Mounted Units had endless lines of fans.
Over 38 million people in 16,000 communities throughout the United States took place in this year’s National Night Out, the 35th annual running.
Other highlights at the OPD’s National Night Out, which was free, were a puppet show, jazz band, martial arts demo, dance performances, face painting, balloons, Child DNA program, and McGruff, the agency’s crime-fighting dog character.
“The City of Orange’s National Night Out event brings the community and police together to strengthen our partnership in fighting crime,” said Michelle Micallef, a crime prevention specialist at the OPD who once again organized the event.
“It’s a great way to get to know the police and fire department,” Micallef added.
At the event, the OPD also celebrated its more than 290 Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the city.
“We’re grateful for our Neighborhood Watch members being watchful throughout Orange and reporting suspicious activity immediately to the police department,” Micallef said.
Kids from all over the City of Orange gather at the start of Orange PD’s National Night Out on Aug. 7.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Orange PD Honor Guard presents the colors as attendees stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of Orange PD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Orange PD Honor Guard posts the colors as the crowd sings the National Anthem.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Six-year-old Lilah King attempts to walk a straight line while wearing distortion goggles, meant to simulate the hand-eye (and foot) coordination of a person impaired from drinking, while Orange PD Officer Tyler Raabe supervises.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Booths featuring a variety of activities and services fill the parking lot of a Target at Orange PD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD Officer Michael Osborn grabs onto his K9 partner, Wyatt, as he stops a decoy (a pretend bad guy) during OPD’s National Night Out’s K9 demonstration.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD Officer Jude King talks about his K9 partner, Griffin, to a crowd gathered for a K9 demonstration.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD’s new K9, Wyatt, waits for his command to attack.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Miss City of Orange 2018 Eileen Kim entertains the crowd with her violin playing.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Miss City of Orange 2018 Eileen Kim smiles as she receives applause.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Alejandro Quinones, 3, of Orange grabs onto a police motorcycle as Orange PD Motor Officer John Pickett supervises from behind during OPD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Villa Park High School Jazz Band entertains guests at Orange PD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Danto, Orange PD’s newest K9, grabs onto Officer Michael Osborn, left, playing the part of the decoy (a pretend bad guy) as Danto’s handler, OPD Officer Damon Allen, moves in to order him to release.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Danielle Jacoby sings the National Anthem. Behind her are Orange PD Chief Thomas Kisela, left, and Orange Fire Chief Jack Thomas.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange PD Chief Thomas Kisela addresses those attending OPD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Hidden Tigers Martial Arts Performance group, made up of local students, gives a taekwondo demonstration during Orange PD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange Councilman Fred Whitaker addresses the crowd during OPD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
OPD Crime Prevention Specialist Brad Beyer stands behind volunteer Suzanne Sanchez, left, volunteer Jean Bell and Parking Control Officer Alison Dannenbring at the National Night Out Crime Prevention booth.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
OPD Sgt. Clara Ramirez speaks during opening ceremonies at OPD’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Records Shift Supervisor and Explorer Advisor Dyanna Sapp, left, with OPD Explorer Sgt. Kelly Banderas and OPD Explorer Gabriel Cuenca, at the Orange Police Explorers Post #266 National Night Out booth.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
