By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Local police departments and residents will work to strengthen neighborhoods and fight crime during Reynoldsburg’s National Night Out.
This year’s event will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 4 in the Big Lots parking lot at 6300 Livingston Road, and is hosted by the Reynoldsburg Police Department, Truro Township Fire Department and the city of Reynoldsburg.
The night will include safety displays for families, such as police and fire emergency vehicles, the Truro Township Fire Department’s squirt house, a MedFlight helicopter and the Franklin County Canine Unit. McGruff the Crime Dog also will be on hand to welcome kids to the event and promote safety.
The event is designed to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized against crime. It’s also an opportunity for police and fire agencies to form partnerships with community members.
“National Night Out allows representatives from the Reynoldsburg Police Department, the Truro Township Fire Department and local businesses to interact at a personal level with citizens within and surrounding the Reynoldsburg community to provide safety education and endorse family interaction,” said Lt. Ron Wright of the Reynoldsburg Police Department.
Other local organizations also will attend Reynoldsburg’s National Night Out, including the Reynoldsburg branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, which will provide several children’s activities. Ohio Krav Maga will offer self-defense demonstrations, and Culvers and Betty’s Kitchen food trucks will be onsite to provide food for attendees.
The National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit crime prevention organization made up of a network of law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens, launched National Night Out. The event is held in communities across the nation on the first Tuesday of August.
To celebrate, neighborhoods typically host block parties, festivals, cookouts and other community events that include safety demonstrations, youth events and visits from emergency personnel.
