Summerton's National Night Out drew large crowd

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                            Lawrence Hammett first got involved with National Night Out 11 years ago. As a state constable, he understands the value of working closely with people to ensure neighborhoods are safe and crime is kept in check. "Communities all over the U.S. need to come together with law enforcement," he said, and he wants folks to feel at ease in approaching police with information needed to stop crimes before they occur. "We're here to help." Hammett's message to the crowd Monday evening at the Summerton Police Department was simple: "Talk to your officers." Flanked by members of the Manning Police Department, the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and a few elected officials, Hammett's message was bolstered by the remarks of others, such as Mayor Mac Bagnal. "We need to be proud of the town we live in," Bagnal said. "And it's not just a town. It's a community and we need everybody's support." Summerton Police Chief Ray Perdue thanked his counterparts in the sheriff's office and MPD for hosting National Night Out events in Turbeville and Manning. "Everyone is welcome and we want you to have a good time," he said. While Sharon Sims of Radio Shack in Manning passed out smoothies, Bucky Brailsford and Anthony Smith grilled burgers and hot dogs while several other volunteers lined up notebooks and backpacks to be distributed. Sen. Kevin Johnson (D-36) offered a blunt viewpoint. "Law enforcement is not your enemy," he said. "They're your friends." Part of the challenge of maintaining secure neighborhoods is to work with police and keep them apprised of wrongdoing and anything out of the ordinary, he said. He also reminded the students to study hard and prepare for the future, whether it involves higher education, military service or seeking employment. "I want you to realize just how important education is and try to do your very best you can in school. We all have important jobs and someone has to take our jobs some day," he said. "We have a lot of friends in uniform and we want you to have a great school year." While the crowd fielded trivia questions to win gift cards, persistent flocks of No-See-Ums and gnats caused much swatting and fanning. "We are here because you are here," Inv. Valerie Brown with the sheriff's office said, smiling as she held up a bottle of Skin So Soft "So here. Let us serve you."