MISAWA CITY, Japan -- In an effort to promote a safer community, 35th Fighter Wing leadership partnered with the Misawa City Police Station during the End-of-Year Traffic Safety and Crime Prevention Campaign, Dec. 14.

The annual event, in which 18 police stations across the Aomori Prefecture also took part, gathered volunteers dedicated to combating crime and eliminating alcohol-related incidents, fraud and traffic accidents.

"This is a great opportunity to show Misawa City we stand side-by-side with them in efforts to create an even safer community," said Col R. Scott Jobe, the 35th FW commander. "We all play a role in creating an environment for our families and neighbors to thrive in, and I am honored to be a part of Misawa's annual campaign."

As the night progressed, campaign participants listened to testimonies from Misawa Police Station Chief Nobuhiro Izumida and vowed to foster a positive community within Misawa City. Afterwards, base, city and police department leaders took to the streets, visiting local eating and drinking establishments while distributing flags with information on what to do if anyone finds themselves in an unsafe environment.

"Misawa Air Base enjoys an incredibly close relationship with Japanese law enforcement," said Maj. Patrick Gordon, the 35th Security Forces Squadron commander. "It is one of the best I've seen in the world. This event highlights a relationship that goes beyond the gates and would not be possible without the phenomenal community support we as defenders, security professionals, and Japanese law enforcement enjoy."