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[Audio] Meet First Responders at Murray's National Night Out Block Party

Matt Markgraf, WKMS

National Night Out is a campaign designed to give people in high crime neighborhoods a secure area for local residents to have a block party. Since Murray isn't really a high crime area, the Murray Police Department has helped adapt the concept to be an emergency and public services block party, where the public can interact with first responders and public services to become more familiar with who they are in a non-emergency setting. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte speaks with Sgt. David Howe of the Murray Police Department about the event including some unique educational response demonstrations.

The National Night Out event in Murray's Chestnut Park is designed to bring first responders and the community together for an evening block party. "Too often the first time somebody meets a police officer or firefighter or a medical tech is on the worst day of their life and they don't know what to expect. so this gives us a chance to interact with them in an non emergent atmosphere," says Sgt. Howe.

Among the responders will be the Murray Police, Murray Sheriff's Department, Kentucky State Police, city and county fire departments, the ambulance service and Air Evac. Other public agencies include Red Cross, Humane Society, Kentucky Army National Guard, Calloway County ASAP, CASA and the Girl Scouts.

Red Cross will have examples about how to build an emergency kit for your home. The Sheriff's Department brings a rollover trailer to show what happens when a vehicle rolls over. Calloway County Rescue bring the smokehouse vehicle that demonstrates how to escape a burning home, Murray Fire Department brings rope rescue demonstrations and Air Evac lands a helicopter nearby. There will also be a course set up where one can ride a Kawasaki Mule SUV with "drunk goggles" on simulating the effects alcohol has on your vision.

Murray Police Department's Facebook page

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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