People from across the area came out Aug. 5 to join Long County for its Community Night Out at the Long County Recreation Complex.
The annual event was sponsored by the Long County Sheriff’s Office, which fed all who were present and led many demonstrations.
LCSO Lt. Danny Dinkins said that more than 650 people attended the night out.
“We had a great turnout, and we appreciate all of the folks for coming out, and also all of the volunteers who set up tonight,” he said.
There also was a face-painting table, with the artist drawing anything from super heroes to school colors on the children. Kids also enjoyed jumping around in two bounces houses as well as learning about fire prevention in the Jesup Fire Department Fire Safety House.  
With the night’s theme revolving around public safety, the Ludowici/Long County Fire Department extinguished a live car fire, the sheriff’s office demonstrated how a drug dog takes down a suspect, and LCSO deputies demonstrated how a stun gun immobilizes a suspect.  
Several new law-enforcement officers from the sheriff’s office and the Ludowici Police Department volunteered to get shocked during the stun-gun demonstration.  Though each of them grimaced in pain as they hit the ground, their fellow officers all laughed and smiled, remembering when they went through the same ordeal.   
The crowd was split on its reaction, with some laughing and others staring in disbelief.
Other public-safety departments in attendance included the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Governor’s Department of Highway Safety, the Long County Protective Auxiliary, Long County Emergency Medical Services and Air Evac patient transport.
“I know the community really enjoyed it,” Long County Recreation Department Director Michelle Rogers said. “This was the first year that it was held at the recreation department, and I’m glad we could be a part of it.”
“I think tonight was tremendous; we truly appreciate all of the support,” Fire Chief Richard Truman said. “Also, the sheriff’s department did a great job with the organizing and planning of the event.”