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Connection equals protection

Keesler families ride on the Sheriff Youth Train provided by the Harrison County Sheriff Office during the 81st Security Forces Squadron National Night Out at the Bay Ridge Community Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 5, 2021. The event, which was held to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, included a military working dog demonstration, scavenger hunt and train rides. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aadriana Parker, 81st Security Forces Squadron patrolman, paints a design on the face of Nivon Brown, son of Capt. Alan Brown, 334th Training Squadron instructor, during the 81st SFS National Night Out at the Bay Ridge Community Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 5, 2021. The event, which was held to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, included a military working dog demonstration, scavenger hunt and train rides. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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U.S. Air Force Airman Tyler Berry and Airman 1st Class Kaleb Brisbone, 81st Security Forces Squadron patrolmen, provide a patrol car tour to Madalynn Serabian, daughter of Maj. Christi Serabian, 81st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron mental health officer in charge, during the 81st SFS National Night Out at the Bay Ridge Community Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 5, 2021. The event, which was held to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, also included a military working dog demonstration, scavenger hunt and train rides. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ryan Wood and Staff Sgt. Victor Henderson, 81st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers, and Victor, 81st SFS military working dog, participate in a demonstration during the 81st SFS National Night Out at the Bay Ridge Community Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 5, 2021. The event, which was held to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, included a military working dog demonstration, scavenger hunt and train rides. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Connection equals protection

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ryan Wood and Staff Sgt. Victor Henderson, 81st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers, and Victor, 81st SFS military working dog, participate in a demonstration during the 81st SFS National Night Out at the Bay Ridge Community Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 5, 2021. The event, which was held to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, included a military working dog demonstration, scavenger hunt and train rides. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Connection equals protection

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Daehnert, 81st Security Forces Squadron combat arms NCO in charge, grills burgers and hot dogs for Keesler families during the 81st SFS National Night Out at the Bay Ridge Community Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 5, 2021. The event, which was held to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, included a military working dog demonstration, scavenger hunt and train rides. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Connection equals protection

Published Oct. 7, 2021
By Senior Airman Kimberly L. Mueller
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --

The 81^st Security Forces Squadron hosted National Night Out at the Keesler Community Center, Oct. 5.

National Night Out brings defenders and the communities they protect together for an event featuring a bounce house, K-9 demonstration and more activities with the goal of increasing familiarity of the defender’s duties.

“We can't be everywhere at all times,” said Staff Sgt. Leonard Brown, 81st Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge. “We rely on the community to report to us if they see something going on so we can respond to it.”

Events like National Night Out help the 81st SFS establish rapport and connections with the local community they serve.

“Having partnerships with the Biloxi Police Department and other local law enforcement is critical when it comes to protecting the community on and off base,” said Brown.

In Bayridge and Thrower Park housing where some local civilians occupy housing, there is proprietary jurisdiction. This gives the 81^st SFS the opportunity to work with local law enforcement during an incident as necessary.

“The community play a big part in our job,” said Brown. “When we can bond with the community and make them more comfortable in reaching out to us, it helps us do our job more effectively and keep people safe.”