The event also featured crime prevention displays, demonstrations of police resources, VIN etching, child fingerprinting, safety information and informational displays by local organizations and businesses.
Members of the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department and New York City Fire Department gave delighted groups of children tours of their fire trucks.
“National Night Out gives the residents of our community the opportunity to enjoy social time with our police precincts,while also allowing the time to highlight the need of working together to make our neighborhood a safer place and to address other public safety issues,” said state Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach).
Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) agreed, saying, “National Night Out is a significant event not only for our community, but for the entire nation. This event raises awareness for crime and drug prevention and strengthens the neighborhood spirit and police-community relationships.I once again welcome the chance to participate in this event bringing our community together in the fight against crime.”
“National Night Out is always a fun event. It provides a great opportunity for area residents to gather crime prevention information while having a good time spending time with their neighbors in a local park in support of safe neighborhoods and our police department,” said Betty Braton, chairwoman of Community Board 10.
The 102nd Precinct in partnership with the 102nd Precinct Community Council held its National Night Out Against Crime Tuesday evening at Buddy Memorial in Forest Park, Richmond Hill. That event featured live music and entertainment by Heartbreak Station, free food and refreshments, as well as exhibits by police units.
Maria Thomson, president of the 102nd Precinct Community Council, said the event brought residents out in support of the police. “Every day they are out there risking their lives fighting crime on our behalf to protect us,” she said.
National Night Out, an annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, was introduced in 1984. NNO is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
