The Sedona Police Department’s community outreach event, also known as National Night Out, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sedona Posse Grounds Hub at Posse Grounds Park.
“It’s a great opportunity to break down that barrier between residents and the police department,” Sedona Communications Manager Lauren Browne said. “It’s really about coming together and seeing what we do for the community. [It’s] another way to have a one-on-one conversation with the police department and get out there … It’s nice to have everybody come together. There’s no set agenda, it’s just come out and see what we do and have a good time.”
The event will bring together Sedona’s first responders along with representatives from the Methamphetamine Advisory Task Force, Shared Hope International, the Sedona Humane Society, Northern Arizona Restorative Justice, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, Coconino and Yavapai Emergency Management departments and Verde Valley Sanctuary.
“We have the representative for the attorney general’s office coming in that has more information in regards to scams and how to address them and what to look for … and the Yavapai County Regional SWAT team,” SPD executive assistant Sherri O’Connor said. “[SWAT] are bringing up one of their trucks so people can see the inside and walk through it if they want to know more about it.”
Weather permitting, Verde Valley Search andRescue will also be on hand with a video screen showing a live feed from a drone that they use in their operations. “[SPD] uses [drones] twofold,” Browne said.
“If we have a crime situation where we’re looking for somebody, it’s better to be up top and you can kind of see down. But the more common way that we’re using it is to assist with search and rescue operations. [If] somebody gets called out to Thunder Mountain Trailhead because they haven’t returned, we can get a drone out there and get better eyes on things.” Kids’ activities will include free character drawings by an SPD volunteer.
“The Sedona Police Department will host public, private and nonprofit organizations who are working together to keep Sedona a safe place to live, work and visit,” the press release stated. “Along with being able to meet community public safety officials, a wide range of information will be available on topics like law enforcement, firefighting, safety and rescue equipment and ways to make homes and streets safer, just to name a few.”
“We will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs so you come in and you can either have one along with a bag of chips and bottled water,” O’Connor said.
