CFAS Sailors Promote Crime Prevention, Safety During Annual Sasebo Parade

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon, Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo's Security department joined local organizations in a Year-End Crime Prevention/Safety Parade Dec. 1.

The parade served to inform Sasebo citizens about crime prevention and how to minimize traffic accidents during the year-end holiday season.

More than 800 people from 40 organizations gathered at Matsuura Park where Sasebo Mayor Norio Tomonaga and other city officials spoke about crime prevention and traffic safety.

Musical performances were performed by children from Higashi Ono and Asoka-Kita kindergarten bands and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force band. Afterward, participants headed to the Sun Plaza Arcade for the parade.

According to CFAS Security department's Investigation Supervisor Akira Ishida, Sasebo Police founded the parade in 1983, and CFAS Security has participated in the event since 1999. Ishida said it is important to get the message out to Sasebo residents as the year-end holiday season begins.

"Every year in December, a number of people have drinking parties and may get involved in DUI accidents, or carry a high amount of cash and get robbed," Ishida said. "(Japanese) and military police officers and volunteers together should try to create a safe and friendly atmosphere so anyone, no matter Japanese or American, who needs help, assistance or guidance for crime prevention, can get hold of either Japanese or military police 24-7."

CFAS Security Officer Lt. Franklin Brown, who has participated in the parade for the past three years, said it is important for the base to support and participate in local events such as the parade.

"CFAS is part of the Sasebo community," Brown said. "By us participating in the parade, we are showing the city of Sasebo that we recognize our duties to prevent crime and to ensure events get reported to the proper authority."