10Shares

Margate firefighters save an accident victim

Margate firefighters hold a demonstration. {David Volz}

Margate Police Chief Michael Palma was pleased to see the community come out for National Night Out on August 4 at the Sports Complex.

“This gives members of the police and the public the chance to spend time together in a positive environment,” he said.

During the evening, ADT presented a $10,000 check to the police department. “For me, this was a surprise. We will use this money for upcoming community events focused on families,” said Palma.

He accepted the check from Kim Miller, ADT’s spokesperson, on stage, surrounded by city commissioners and police officers. “We want to show our support for Night Out and the police officers who protect our community,” said Miller.

Night Out included a variety of first responders and law enforcement agencies. The Broward Sheriff’s Office brought a rescue helicopter and a bus used to transport prisoners. The Coral Springs Police Department brought their new Bearcat vehicle. The Coconut Creek and Margate police departments worked together to put on a K-9 demonstration. Members of the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Army, the Coast Guard, and the Air Force also participated.

A highlight was a rescue demonstration by the Margate Fire Department. Firefighters used their tools to extract a woman who was trapped in a car and then carried her on a stretcher to a BSO Fire Rescue helicopter, which then took off.

The Margate police department receives a $10,000 check from ADT. {David Volz}

The helicopter is one of two operated by BSO Rescue, mostly for trauma transport and also aerial firefighting. “This helicopter is new and cost about $15 million,” said Kyle Perrier, the pilot.

“This is a chance for us to show the community what we do and how people can stay safe. We gave a demonstration on how we fight a house fire,” said Margate Fire Chief Roberto Lorenzo.

Officer Kevin Connelli of the Margate Police Department and Officers Jeff Rodriguez and Justin Capaldi of the Coconut Creek Police Department were among a group of officers from the two agencies who worked together to present a K-9 demonstration. People could see how officers work with police dogs and how a trained dog could take down a suspect. “We show how dogs obey commands and the work they do in law enforcement,” said Connelli.

Coral Springs Officer August Charni of the SWAT team showed how a Bearcat armored vehicle is used in difficult situations and how the latest drone technology is used. “Margate invited us, and we were glad to come,” said Charni.

The FBI participated, and members wore military attire. “We want to show the community what we do and how we protect them,” said Jeff Green, spokesperson.

BSO pilot Kyle Perrier in front of his helicopter scaled

BSO pilot Kyle Perrier in front of his helicopter {David Volz}

Night Out was also a family event. There were carnival rides and games for children, and everyone was treated to a hot dog and ice cream. The Margate police department ice cream truck was part of the event. This truck appears at community events and gives ice cream to children, according to Palma.

The band Project X performed, and various business and civic organizations had booths.

“This was awesome, and Margate always has a great Night Out,” said Mayor Antonio Arserio.

Vice Mayor Anthony Caggiano said he loved the event because it brought the community together. “This is good because it puts smiles on the faces of children,” he said.

Got News in Margate? Send it to Margate Talk. Don’t Miss Reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Parkland Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.

Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.