First-responders, community connect on National Night Out

Three Bainbridge Island Police Department vehicles, a BI Fire Department truck and members of the Medical Reserve Corps were at Town Center, where a large crowd had gathered.

No, it wasn’t a crime scene. It was the annual National Night Out Aug. 1 to promote police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Police spent more than two hours talking with community members.

With lights flashing, the police cars and the fire truck were a big attraction for children who waited in line to get a closer look.

Micah Blumenthal, 5, was excited to get behind the vehicle of a squad car and talk to an officer. His father, Aaron, was “really glad to see the safety and preparedness booths” set up for the event and gathered some information from Map Your Neighborhood representatives.

Autumn Salamack, the city’s Climate Adaptation officer, spoke with residents to promote the Climate Smart Challenge that helps islanders identify actions to reduce their impact and support the Climate Action Plan goals. “The first is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The second is to prepare the community for the impacts of climate change that are already here and expected to get worse in the future. And the third is to help the community take equitable and meaningful climate action in support of those two goals,” she said.

Salamack said the majority of GHG emissions come from residential electricity use. “Any steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption in your home is helpful.” Residents can learn ways to reduce their impact at climatesmartbainbridge.org.

One community group that is very loved but often overlooked during preparedness activities is pets. The Domestic Animal Care team of Yasuyo Sousa and Suzanne Ferguson informed pet owners how to prepare emergency grab-and-go kits for domestic animals. While residents focus emergency preparedness on their own food and water, “They completely forget about their pets,” Sousa said, telling owners also to have pet medications, an emergency kit, and first aid items.

Volunteers for the Medical Reserve Corps informed the public about the 300 doctors, nurses, veterinarians, police, fire and public health professionals who hold community exercises and lead training classes to keep their skills fresh. “We are here to make our community more safe and resilient,” Raj Bais said. “If there’s an emergency or a disaster, we respond with fire to assist if we’re activated by the state.”

They also provide First Aid and CPR training for the Rotary Rummage Sale, the Fourth of July, and other community events. The corps was activated April 15 to assist with the emergency response when the Walla Walla Ferry ran aground in Rich Passage.

Police Chief Joe Clark was pleased with the turnout. “Bringing together resources like this creates a resilient community,” he said.

Micah Blumenthal, 5, checks out the inside of a Bainbridge Island Police Department patrol car with Officer Roger Swann during the National Night Out community event at Town Center Aug. 1.

A child bangs the gavel to deliver justice at the Bainbridge Court activity.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers shared information about their role as part of the emergency response capabilities of Bainbridge Prepares in cooperation with COBI and BIFD.