By Ben Cox
Photos/Ben Cox and Kyla Hurt
National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the nation.
The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. This past week, approximately 38 million people across 17,000 communities in all 50 states now participate in the event meant to promote neighborhood camaraderie and positive first responder interactions.
This year marked the 10th annual celebration of the national event in Jacksonville. Last year’s event had smaller attendance due to threats of rain. The Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy and the Morgan Scott Cass Crime Stoppers host the event. The weather was no threat on August 5 and the event had a steady stream of community organizations and people throughout the evening.
“We have several new things this year,” Crime Stoppers Coordinator Loren Hamilton said, “The Jacksonville Fire Department brought their own bounce house, which I didn’t know that they had. The Illinois National Guard landed a helicopter in Community Park. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital is holding a bike rodeo. We also have three or four new vendors and community organizations here this year.”
The crowd was treated to free hot dogs and food from The Salvation Army mobile food canteen, or they could purchase food from the Zingabad Grotto Bus. There was a demonstration by Jacksonville K-9 officer handler Kevin Ray and a drone demonstration by Jacksonville Police Department Detective Luke Poore. After the demonstrations, Llaina’s Dance & Gym performed.
Hamilton says he was pleased with the community response and hopes many took advantage of signing up to several of the services being offered, “Our big push for the Citizens Police Academy is they’re taking names, taking applications for our new class, which will be held February 26th. Then, at the Crime Stopper booth, we’re looking for new board members. They always do need more volunteers and board members.”
Several members of the first responder agencies said that it is great to interact with the community in a laid back environment that is both positive and welcoming. Many say the lack of stress at the event helps with fostering trust and partnership with the entire community.
