National Night Out draws crowd

From obstacle courses to dunk tanks to looking at vehicles, to

interacting with the K-9 officers, the public got a chance to have some one-on-one time with local law

enforcement during the annual

National Night out.

“That’s what it is all about is the one-on-one time,” Wapakoneta

Police Chief Calvin Schneider said. He was impressed with the turnout.

“I love that they are connecting with the officers,” Scott Dickman said.

He watched as his children went through the obstacle course.

Savannah Moore, 10, of Wapakoneta dunked Wapakoneta Police Chaplain Stephen Ambrose on the first try.

“We have a wonderful police, fire and EMS department. We have a wonderful community, and it’s important to connect,” Ambrose said.

Brooklyn and Avery Schroeder were getting their bicycle helmets fitted as Jessica Schroeder watched.

“I think it’s really cool that they do this National Night Out,” Jessica Schroeder said.

Marlene Froning was glad to be back in action with her bicycle helmet distribution efforts. She brought 180 helmets to distribute and saw a steady stream of children getting fitted.

Although her bicycle safety day was put on hold during the pandemic, she has recently been able to give away helmets to other groups like the Girl Scouts.

“I enjoy doing it, it’s fun,” Froning said.

She said she has had kids come up to

her later after getting fitted saying, “See I still have my nose and teeth yet, your helmet did what you told me it would do.”

Organizers were pleased with the response and attendance at the event.

“It took a lot of planning and a lot of great sponsors,” Wapakoneta Police Records Clerk and organizer Nikki Sawmiller said. “I’ve got to

be honest that the donations that we received this year were over the top. We are very humbled by that.”

Patrolman Corey Zweibel was helping obstacle course participants at the Nerf Gun range.

“It’s just fun to come down here and hang out with the kids,” Zwiebel said. “Some of them are pretty good shots,” he said.

Elizabeth and Elliot Klopfenstein met with Deputy Pat Osborne and Nikko.

Kristi Klopfenstein said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for the community to come out and support local law enforcement. It’s a good

opportunity for kids to put a face with who is in the vehicle or at their school.”

Haley Dickman throws a punch at Wapakoneta Officer Deron Prince and Detective Brian Little, at top; helmet fitting helped Brooklyn and Avery Schroeder find protective headgear.