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Photos by Amy Binkley
( (Left) Actor Jeremy Davis poses with the National Night Out knight and a member of the Jacksonvillie Police Department during the annual celebration iin Jacksonville Aug. 7. (Above) Military police ffrom Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune connect with McGruff to fight crime at National Night Out in w JJacksonville Aug. 7.
brings local, military communities together AMY BINKLEY
Assistant managing editor
Photos by Amy Binkely
(Top) The Young Marines of Swansboro pause for a group photo at National Night Out in Jacksonville Aug. 7. (Above) An Onslow County citizen paints the face of a National Night Out visitor during the annual event in Jacksonville Aug. 7. (Below) Members of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department enjoy interacting with the community at National Night Out in Jacksonville Aug. 7.
Imagine a world where crime does not exist. Children play outside with no concerns, darkness no longer equals danger, and security is a common feeling shared by everyone. Life thrives when evil is decimated. While the ideal setting seems extraordinary, the citizens and law enforcement agencies of Onslow County, alongside service members from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, took one step closer to stopping crime in its tracks during the 14th annual National Night Out in downtown Jacksonville Aug.7. “(Tonight) we let the criminals know we actually have people who want the crime and drugs to stop,” said Bob Bright, former fire chief for MCB Fire Department. Marines, law enforcement officers and rescue workers all take an oath to serve and protect their communities no matter the cost, but local agencies went above the call of duty to reach out and connect with the people they serve during the celebration. “It gives all of us in Onslow County a chance to thank our community for the work they do to help us prevent crime and keep our community safe,” remarked Chief Mike Yaniero, director of public safety for the City of Jacksonville. “We get to interact with them in a great environment.” Inclement weather didn’t deter the activities as thousands of citizens made their way downtown to meet, speak with and put faces with the names of those who keep them safe on a daily basis. “It’s an opportunity for our public safety folks to show you all what they do, and they do a lot,” stated Mayor Sammie Phillips, who is also a 31-year veteran of Jacksonville’s police department. “Some of you may have never had to call for their help, but someday you might have to. It’s good to know they’re there for you.” Vendors lined the streets of Riverwalk Crossing Park offering information, free products, food and entertainment to passersby. Children clung to balloons,
crossed their fingers for a chance to win a new bicycle in the raffle and sported the official NNO T-shirt designed by their peer, Tanya Mittal from New Bridge Middle School. Mittal’s design, which featured an anchor adorned by hats of the different law enforcement agencies in the area, beat out other entries in the annual contest. “Jacksonville’s symbol is an anchor,” Mittal explained. “This picture displays some of the people who keep (the community) safe. It’s what holds us together.” The military presence of MCB Camp Lejeune and surrounding installations could not be ignored as many Marines and sailors volunteered their assistance for the event. “National Night Out helps the public relations between the military and the community,” noted Cory Bracy, a wounded warrior who assists in training service dogs for a local business while he recovers. “It allows civilians to see the purpose of the military, and the military also gets to see everything the community does. It gives us a chance to intermingle.” The grand marshal for the evening, actor and producer Jeremy Davis, was impressed by the support Onslow County showed service members and the ease with which the unique populations blended. “This is one of those things that really brings everyone together, and it strengthens the community,” Davis said. “We have to bring awareness and let criminals know they will be stopped. I wanted to show my support for the military and the community. I think this is wonderful.” The rain continued to fall intermittently throughout the night, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the citizens. The community banded together with a singleminded focus to put an end to the rebellion, chaos and destruction attached to criminal activity by fostering relationships with the people who have the strategies. Their appreciation may never be heard, but National Night Out provided a platform for citizens to display their support for the uniformed heroes walking the streets and fighting on the frontlines, both at home and abroad. Crime doesn’t stand a chance against a community walking arm in arm with its heroes.