By Ed Simmons, Jr.
cpreporter@verizon. net

Everyone got to be a "Junior Deputy" at the National Night Out held at Caroline Park last Tuesday. That was part of the fun, though the purpose – though friendly – was a serious one.

It was a time for Caroline's young people and families to get together with deputies, state police, firemen and rescue squad volunteers and tour their vehicles while having a hot dog and hamburger cookout. A large crowd turned out.

"This is a way of taking our community back," said Sheriff Tony Lippa who was sticking "Junior Deputy" badges on all the kids – including on the reporter.

This is the fourth year the Caroline County Sheriff's Office has put on the event, also known as "America's Night Out Against Crime," which was observed in communities throughout the nation on August 5.

In 2007, 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participated, with over 35 million people joining in.

The purpose is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, support local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.