Don Martin: Atwater shined brightly on Halloween night

The evening of Halloween, I was assigned to patrol the city east of Shafer to the city limits, insuring families, especially children, were safe in securing their fill of treats. During the course of the evening, at a very slow pace, I traveled 41 miles. Each and every time I encountered tall or short, I was treated with the utmost respect – not like stories we have all read about police abuse and disregard. At every stop, folks approached and thank me for my service and the fact that we “were looking out for their safety.”

Candy! I was inundated with offers of sweets of all kind.

I am proud of this community, but that night was very special. Atwater residents demonstrated that a community could come together – in spite of traffic and crowds – and truly enjoy a time with family and friends. And a safe time at that. Compliance was the theme as folks wandered out into the streets, but when asked to return to the sidewalk, comply they did. Always with a smile. Thank you, Atwater, for your kindness. It was special!

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 1:44 PM with the headline "Don Martin: Atwater shined brightly on Halloween night."