‘Night Out’ brings together law enforcement, community

Despite a venue change and rainy weather, the second annual National Night Out Against Crime saw a crowd of about 300 to 400 people come to meet area law enforcement officials and first responders Wednesday evening under the U.S. 90 bridge, according to organizers.
The event was hosted by Doric Lodge 205 of the Free & Accepted Masons in Morgan City and the Morgan City Police Department.
Morgan City Police spokesman Capt. James Blair, also a lodge member, said organizers had a good turnout despite the weather. The event was moved from Lawrence Park due to the rainy weather. Organizers gave away door prizes including several bikes, ice chests and folding chairs. Hamburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks were also served, Blair said.
Morgan City Police Sgt. Kenneth LaCoste and Officer Jason Dinger showed children equipment that officers sometimes use to get into residences, LaCoste said. Officers use a protective vest with thicker body armor than they usually use when patrolling the streets, LaCoste said. Officers also wear Kevlar helmets, which are bullet resistant, he said.
Officers displayed tools they use to get into residences, if necessary, including a ram, a sledgehammer and chain cutters, LaCoste said.
Morgan City police correctional officer April Hudson was among the officers making identification cards for children who came to the event so police can have a way to keep track of them, she said.
Personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Morgan City were in their first year attending the event with one of the unit’s 29-foot Response Boat Small vessels made by Metal Shark in Jeanerette. Marine Safety Unit Commanding Officer Capt. David McClellan said the night out is a good opportunity for law enforcement to show what they do in the community. “We do law enforcement on the water,” McClellan said. “Around here there’s a lot of water. We’ve got a lot of area to patrol around here.”
The Coast Guard enforces boating safety requirements and makes sure people are not intoxicated while on the water, McClellan said. The unit’s response boat can be used for search and rescue, law enforcement patrols and pollution response, he said. McClellan called the night a “good family event,” he said.
The Morgan City Fire Department brought some of its fire trucks and a couple firefighters. Morgan City Fire Department Acting Capt. Chris Price and Operator Justin Martin said firefighters were responding to many wrecks Wednesday so one of the fire trucks had to leave the event.
Firefighters and law enforcement officials have a reciprocal relationship where they can call one another any time they need help with a particular incident, Price said. Firefighters and police officers are essentially a family, Martin said.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives had a booth set up under the bridge. Acadian Ambulance and the Morgan City Volunteer Rescue Unit also have personnel there.
Live music was provided by Toni O and the Wheelhouse along with Scott Michael of South 70.
Blair thanked East Gate BBQ, M&L Fun Jumps, Walgreens Pharmacy, Lirette Ford, Morgan City Urgent Care, Dr. Trey Morice, Oceaneering, Shannon Hardware and Walmart for their help putting on the event.