Law enforcement officials visit Idyllwild Aug. 6

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 6, officers from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Hemet station and the California Highway Patrol’s San Gorgonio station will be in Idyllwild for the National Night Out.
This is the third consecutive year that law enforcement, with its other public safety partners, is reaching out to introduce themselves to the community and meet hill residents.
National Night Out is a nationwide event that began in August 1984. The first National Night Out was held in 23 states. It migrated south and west from its start in Pennsylvania.
Its purpose is to promote police-community partnerships. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors, law enforcement and first responders while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police, first responders and neighbors together under positive circumstances, according to Corp. Frank James of the Hemet station, who is organizing the 2019 National Night Out.
Many public safety agencies will be participating. Members of the Riverside County Code Enforcement’s Mid-county office, the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, California Highway Patrol, and American Medical Response will all be available to answer questions and to demonstrate some equipment.
“I know the community loves animals,” wrote Cpl. Frank James of the Hemet Station. “We are going to have dogs, horses, and possibly a raccoon (rescue animal). There will be plenty of equipment to look at and take pictures in.”
First responders will collect along Park Lane, between Idypark and the Fort. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6. The roads in that area of town will be blocked off from 4 to 8 p.m.