TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Security Forces Squadron brought emergency response vehicles and joined the Panama City community during National Night Out at the Panama City Mall Aug. 2.
National Night Out is an annual event that is held nationwide to help strengthen the bond and trust between emergency responders and the communities they have sworn to protect.
Fire protection services and law enforcement agencies from all over the Panama City area, to include officers from the Naval Support Station and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department were also at the event.
Tyndall Defenders interacted with the community and explained their role in protecting Tyndall AFB.
“It’s always a hoot to get out there and interact with the community,” said 1st Lt. Jared Hafich, 325th SFS operations officer. “Many of the Panama City and Bay County residents have been in the area for generations, but have a limited view of what Tyndall’s mission is all about. Getting to project the mission of the Tyndall police with respect to enabling the fighter wing mission is always great. Our booths drew a pretty sizeable crowd.”
Children and adults alike were given the chance to wear fully-loaded Kevlar vests and shown the proper way to safely handle the weapon systems that security forces Airmen use every day.
“I think it’s great to see these guys out here,” said Norma Hood, a local parent who attended the event. “As retired military myself, I love anytime I see our military or law enforcement taking part in community events. It really lets the younger folks know that the police care and are here to protect us.”
Hafich expressed how maintaining a positive relationship with the community has always been a priority for Tyndall police, and that it is an integral pillar of completing their mission.
“Ultimately, it’s about community policing,” Hafich said. “Building rapport with people you see every day, people you won’t see again and people you’ve never seen before is key. When they see a Tyndall defender on the highway; a professional and respectful demeanor, a polite handshake and a smile will go a long way. It’s not about writing tickets or apprehending people, but letting them know that the Tyndall Police is there for them. When the local law enforcement and civilian population can trust and respect us, they are more likely to let us know when things ‘don’t seem right.’ That way, we can ensure the protection of base assets and personnel.”