National Night Out allows Auburn residents to meet first responders in a social setting

Auburn Police Chief Bryan Morrison was standing in the middle of Old Town on Tuesday doing – well, a little of everything. While being interviewed by the Auburn Journal, a woman walked up and took an immediate liking to Bolo, Auburn PD's emotional support dog, who was comfortable at Morrison's feet doing nothing more than being cute and drawing admirers. Dominating the peripheral noise were the occasional cheers each time Jonathan Wright, the city's economic and planning manager, got knocked into the dunk tank yet again. There was also the occasional "hi" as people walked past. Such is the purpose of the annual National Night Out. First responders and their vehicles surrounded the street in Old Town. A musical group performed, an energetic crowd mingled, and kids played carnival-style games and got to interact with first responders. And that was the whole point, as Morrison gave a brief history lesson in how the annual event started, with Neighborhood Watch groups inviting first responders to their get-togethers. But as society has changed to include two full-time workers in many households, Neighborhood Watch has dissipated, "almost to the point of non-existent," Morrison said. "So we took the initiative to invite people down. What better way to keep the tradition alive." Morrison was with Sacramento law enforcement when he experienced the original National Night Out. He has witnessed the change since he's been in Auburn. "This is the fourth or fifth year we've invited the community to come to us and still have that interaction and get to intermingle on a social setting versus that professional interaction when we're responding to calls," he said. "I look around and recognize newcomers. At the same time, I recognize people that were throwing the balls at me in the dunk tank last year and the years previous to that. It's a great opportunity to come out and see what the police department is about, what public works is about, what the fire department is about, the Chamber obviously." Cindy Deaver, a Bay Area native who now lives in Auburn, was the woman who approached Bolo. She said she liked "everything" about her first National Night Out in Auburn. "The booths are great, people, music, and Bolo's my favorite," she said, turning her attention back to the loveable dog. "Hi sweetheart." Only a few feet away, Barbara Muskat watched as granddaughters Arya, 10, and Cora, 7, enjoyed axe throwing (toys, not real axes) at the High Street Bible Church booth, which also attended its first National Night Out in Auburn. "We love to support families having a good time," said Jody Rake, who helped run the booth and noted the church moved to Auburn about a year ago. "I love the sense of community. The mission of National Night Out is community caring and support, and we are all about that." Elsewhere in Auburn, Woodside Village residents, led by Marilyn Schneider, welcomed 24 law enforcement and fire personnel and a K-9 officer. Their event featured a full buffet dinner of pulled pork, chicken and numerous tables of salads, side dishes and desserts.