Emily Mentzer, Lebanon Express writer | Posted: Wednesday, August 1, 2007 12:00 am
Neighborhoods throughout Lebanon are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 24th annual “National Night Out" crime and drug prevention event.
Residents in neighborhoods throughout Lebanon and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the hours of 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Ralston Park.
Bring your lawn chair to sit and listen to music performed by Lebanon police sergeant Kevin Martinez. Enjoy displays of classic cars and emergency vehicles, a rock-climbing wall, McGruff the Crime Dog and Tera-Bun the Clown. Win drawings for bicycles and more. Crime prevention materials will be available, along with people to answer questions.
The first 500 people will get free hot dogs and soda. Children's ID kits will be given to the first 100 people requesting them.
“This year's event will be the largest National Night Out held in Lebanon thus far, and is expected to be a fun and information time for the entire family," said Chief of Police Mike Healy. “It's a night for the community of Lebanon to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out is an example of community-oriented policing where partnerships are forged between law enforcement and the citizens we serve. We value the positive relationship we continue to develop with the people of Lebanon and look forward to this occasion when we can visit with them one-on-one."
National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Lebanon Police Department, involves more than 10,000 communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada and military bases around the world. In all, 34 million people are expected to participate in America's Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 7.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.