Sheriff’s deputies entertain, educate local campers
Cassy Skau, Capt. Dobson’s neighborhood liaison, was hard at work unloading life vests donated by the Sea Tow Foundation recently. Deputy Camp Wylie of the Marine Unit stowed them in the bow of his 26-foot Carolina skiff, powered by a 200 hp Mercury 4-stroke engine in preparation for a group of VIPs.
Across the field in Matlache Park, it appeared as if the calvary arrived! Mounted on “Flash,” a registered Arabian, sat Jeanne Shadduck one of five volunteers in the Lee County Sheriff’s Office mounted unit. These folks not only volunteer, they maintain and board their own mounts. They were to give a demonstration for the same VIPs. On other days they stand ready to perform crowd control, search and rescue and march in parades.
Skau introduced V.O.I.C.E. Officer Ed Shumate. Shumate was there to demonstrate fingerprint technique, and issue credentials to the group.
Not far from the fingerprint table, Deputy Chris Nice from S.W.A.T. set up a display of equipment and ordinance which included an MP 5 [9m] which is used for close combat and an M 4 223 [m16] for distance.
Suddenly there was the sound of a chopper approaching and Lt. Jim Brown assembled the VIP group for the tour. Broken up into three sections an orderly inspection of the equipment began. The first stop was the Marine Unit and the first section from Parks and Recreation were the 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds taking part in the program. They would be followed by the 8 and 9 year olds with the 6 and 7 year olds bringing up the rear.Very Important People indeed – 45 of them. An orderly inspection and Q&A on all the equipment followed.
As part of Parks and Rec’s summer program Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott sent his troops out for a great morning of education and fun! From the Marine Unit to the mounted then on to the heliocopter questions and answers remained steady and then it was inside to check out S.W.A.T.
“There’s a machine gun in there!” Jayden Pfister said in a secretive whisper, with Tyler Reichenbacher nodding in agreement.
Throughout the morning the word safety was repeated often, along with rescue. The friendly and entertaining manner of this demonstration created an atmosphere for these VIPs to meet law enforcement in a positive manner.
Deputy Humfleet and P.O. Gardiner from Cape Coral Police Department, who man the chopper jointly, were the favorite demonstration. And Miss Kacey, the best counselor.
All VIPs received life vests from the Sea Tow Foundation and ice cream compliments of Dairy Queen.