VIDEO: Groton Celebrates National Night Out

More than 150 people stopped at Poquonnock Plains Park for National Night Out Tuesday, an event to promote public safety, teach children and families about the work of emergency personnel, and build a sense of community.

Bob Sullivan, deputy chief of the Old Mystic Fire Department, brought a fire simulator that looked like a grill, and showed children how to use a fire extinguisher.

"We always tell people, call 911 first,"  he said.

The U.S. Coast Guard brought a boat and lifted children inside. Police offered demonstrations of a police dog stopping an attack, and how seat belts prevent injuries. Mystic River Ambulance explained how the equipment, lights and radio work, and the fire department brought Ax, a Dalmatian that knows how to stop, drop and roll.

Other groups included Safekids of New London County, the Groton Elks, Groton Town Police Department Bike Officers, the Delta Society, Groton Animal Control, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

"They've liked it all," said Sandra Nehila, who brought her four sons, ages 5, 4, 2 and 7 months. "I think they liked the dog best."