Neighbors Celebrate National Night Out

"The best thing you can do is know your neighbor," Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent said.

Chief Robert Vincent and Mayor Mike Yakes welcomed families, friends and neighbors at the Gulfport Neighborhood Center on Tuesday night. Dozens of people of all ages came out to learn more about the department's Special Enforcement Team, Marine Unit and even the Pinellas County Mobile Crime Scene Investigation Unit. 

Gulfport Police Officer Jennifer Crowson helped children fill out free fingerprint kits for moms and dads while members of the Gulfport Police Explorers Post #995 handed out information packets to those in attendance.

In the parking lot, answered questions and demonstrated a few of the "tools" used by the Gulfport Police Department's Special Enforcement Team. Next to Davis, Detective Jimmie Embry, showed off police equipment and the department's drug education kit.

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster stopped by the event to thank all officers for putting their lives at risk everyday.

The Gulfport Fire Department was also on hand to show residents their new engine.

And, seven members, including yours truly, received certificates for completing the Gulfport Police Department's Police Citizens Academy. Learn more about the 8-week-volunteer-course in our series, Get an idea about what students learned about and possibly get involved during the next class.

Do you have photos from National Night Out? Share them on this post!