Night out against crime
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The local event was held at the Farmers Market pavilion from 6-9 p.m. with approximately 1,000 participating in both fun and educational activities.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Sgt. Lisa Norris, who helped organize the event, said, ‘We are pleased to host this event, putting the department out front to meet the people of the community. We want them to know we are human beings too, and that they can come and talk to us.’
Free hot dogs and cool refreshments were prepared and distributed to the throngs of hot, thirsty people of all ages. Various civic groups and organizations manned booths offering games for the children, as well as displays of fire trucks and emergency equipment.
A sobriety test was administered, as well as a DUI experience, where candidates attempted to drive a cart while wearing special goggles simulating an impaired driver.
Fourteen-year-old Isaac Oldfield attended the event with friends, and was very supportive of the endeavor. He said, ‘It is really nice that the police and the community would plan an event like this for the community. I want to personally thank all the police, fireman and volunteers for making this special for us.’
When asked if he learned anything at the National Night Out, he replied, ‘I didn’t learn anything I didn’t know already, but I’m a good kid, and I don’t plan on getting in any trouble!’
With over 34 million people participating in the event in 2006, local enforcement realize citizens are concerned about fighting crime and improving their community.
‘The McMinnville Police Department saw this event as a launching pad for a new neighborhood program that will be announced at Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Mayor and Alderman,’ said Charlie Sewell, Chief of Police. ‘We hope to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.’