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Community police to conduct the annual Goblin Patrol

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ty-Rico Lea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Volunteers will once again be participating in Tyndall's annual Goblin Patrol to help children safely trick-or-treat on Halloween.

For the past seven years, the Tyndall Community Police has helped with the safety of trick-or-treaters and enlisted volunteers to assist during its annual Goblin Patrol.

From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., volunteers will participate in the patrol by keeping accountability of children trick-or-treating across the installation's community neighborhoods and ensure they are monitored when crossing roads.

"The job of the volunteers, as well as ours, is to ensure the event is successful and provide unarmed and armed escorts with communication capabilities to the Base Defense Operations Center," said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Seligman, 325 Security Forces Squadron community police NCO in charge. "This allows us to have eyes on all residential communities with the ability to relay information of any medical emergencies or suspicious activities."

Safety is the top priority for the event, said Seligman.

"As the NCOIC of the Community Police section I want to ensure the same safe feeling is provided to all parents and residents of the base," said Seligman.

While trick-or-treating, adults are advised to have their kids wear light colored clothing, carry a flashlight or any illuminating device, and reflective garments to make them more visible at night, Seligman said.

Anyone receiving candy from houses should be cautious of anything that may appear suspicious. Children should have their candy inspected by an adult before consuming it.

"We would like to provide a safe and worry free night to all parents and children," said Seligman. "Volunteers add an extra set of eyes and ears to help report anything that may need attention."

To volunteer for the Goblin Patrol, call (850) 890-6294 or (850) 283-9941, or e-mail Seligman at aaron.seligman.@us.af.mil.

"It was fun to go out and meet up with the trick-or-treaters and help collect candy with the children two years ago," said Senior Airman Justin Phillips, 325th Force Support Squadron food specialist. "I initially got involved just to be a part of something bigger than myself and help the community."

Phillips has volunteered twice in the past and will be a contributing factor as a volunteer again this year.

"Just the thought of being able to help others and seeing how it develops their lives is enough for me," said Phillips.