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National Night Out planned for Aug. 3 to help fight crime

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July 18, 2010

by Mike Lesko

Stow Sentry Associate Editor

Stow -- A program to help fight crime by strengthening the relationship between residents and police in a fun setting is just around the corner.

The sixth annual National Night Out is scheduled for Aug. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 3800 Darrow Road, Stow, where a white tent will be set up in between SKiP Playground and Fire Station No. 1.

Police Chief Louis Dirker said the police department, in conjunction with Stow Youth Services and the Neighborhood Watch Program, is sponsoring the event.

"This event is used to heighten citizens' awareness of the fight against crime," Dirker said. "The theme carries over into the displays and organizations represented during the event.

"People must be aware that even though they live in a safe community, they should not make themselves victims," Dirker said, "and that they need to be aware of the resources available within all levels of government to assist them in preventing and reporting crimes."

Kathy Christ, a Stow youth services specialist who is coordinating the event, said, "I hope people will get a feeling that they are a little more connected to the police department, that police are your friends and they're here to protect you."

The sixth annual event will include food, a bounce house, a slide, a fire truck, a D.A.R.E. car, a police cruiser and U.S. Army vehicles.

Christ said the best place to park is at the SKiP Playground parking lot. She said more than 500 people have attended each of the last two years.

"We want to make it a fun event," she said. "People love talking to the officers, and finding out what is going on in the community and what they need to watch for."

Dirker said the police department is teaming up with the American Football Coaches Association, which founded the National Child Identification Program, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its efforts to set a record Aug. 3 for the most identification kits distributed in one day.

The kits are free and will be available at the National Night Out event. The packets consist of inkless fingerprint ID cards and DNA sample kits.

Christ said National Night Out is an event designed to strengthen communities by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners.

"The goal is to heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs, and most importantly, send a message that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back," Christ said.

"It's also the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors even better," she said.

The event is sponsored by the Stow Police Department and Target.

For more information, go on the website to: nationalnightout.org.

E-mail: mlesko@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3917




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