Sailors Shadow Broward County Sheriffs During Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bruce Cummins, Fleet Week Port Everglades Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- Nearly 50 Sailors were the first participants in a unique event designed to showcase the day-to-day operations of the Broward County Sheriff's Office during Fleet Week Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 26.

Taking a service member along with him during his work day was an opportunity to show his appreciation for the job a Sailor does on a daily basis, said Broward County Sheriff's Office Deputy Ben Koos.

"It's good for the military to be out here with us, and it's an honor for me to have Sailors come out, see what we do and appreciate what we do," said Koos, a 14-year veteran of Broward County Sheriff's Office. "I love that the military comes to us in different locations for port calls and fleet week."

USS Ross (DDG 71) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Allan Salas said the event reminded him of the similarities between military service and police work.

"We all work together in some way or another; they defend the safety of the city, and we defend the freedom of the country," said Salas. "The fact that they are willing to bring me along with them for the day made me feel really important; I got to see hands-on what [Broward County Sheriff's Office sheriffs] do, which made fleet week even more fun for me."

Gordon Black, a two-year Broward County Sheriff's Office veteran, agreed with Salas about the quality of an exchange two organizations with similar responsibilities can have.

"I think it's really good to have the Sailors come over and ride with us," said Black. "We get to hear what they've experienced overseas, and they get to see a side of police work – what we do at home. They protect us overseas, and we try to protect everyone here."

More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011. The week-long celebration of the sea services honors the men and women of the military through public events and recognition, and also provides the sea services an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of surface platforms, equipment and the skills of the men and women serving aboard these vessels.

For media outlets interested in covering fleet week events, contact Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Blyth at 202-270-8136.