–By Rachel Galvin–

On Aug. 2, a large group of Deerfield residents gathered at Quiet Waters Park for the National Night Out on Crime despite the off and on again rain. This event encourages people to turn their porch lights on and come out together to take a stand against crime.

BSO showed off their SWAT equipment, such a large riot shield that can be lifted up and a machine that can lift items out of the way, including a car, which they demonstrated in front of a large audience.

Sheriff Al Lamberti arrived on scene via a helicopter at the most appropriate moment, shaking hands with families who had gathered there. He had visited several Broward County cities also having Night Out on Crime festivities.

Attendees roamed community booths under the pavilion, learned about community programs and services from the city, turned in unused medicines (Operation Medicine Cabinet) and took sensitive documents to be shredded in the shredding truck. People must have felt generous because The Community Blood Centers bloodmobile surpassed their goal for donors that night.

People also ate pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, chips, pizza and more, while drinking soda or water to cool down from the heat.

A snow cone machine also was a big hit among the kids. Kiddies could also climb a rock wall or jump in the bounce house.

The band Smuggling Yo Yo’s played their hearts out on stage where commissioners, the sheriff and State Rep. Gwyndolen Clarke Reed also spoke to the crowd, including new Dist. 2 commissioner Ben Preston. Afterward, raffle prizes were given out.

BSO showed off a SWAT vehicle capable of lifting a car

New commissioner Ben Preston speaks, with other commissioners and Deerfield's mayor

The Smuggling Yo Yo's played

A large crowd enjoyed free food and activities under the pavilion