It is that special time of year where Suffolk citizens and public safety personnel take time to celebrate National Night Out. Tuesday, August 7th is the day nationally recognized for National Night Out and the evening where everyone joins together to say “NO” to crime and to strengthen their bonds within their communities.
Over 150 communities, homeowner’s associations, civic organizations, neighborhoods, churches and business sponsors are partnering to make this year’s event extra special with block parties, cook-outs, and mini-festivals covering the landscape of Suffolk.
Suffolk’s National Night Out opens with a Kick-Off event scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chamber at Suffolk City Hall, 442 West Washington Street. Suffolk Mayor Linda Johnson, Police Chief Thomas Bennett, and Fire Chief Ed Taylor will be among the dignitaries to help start the evening’s fun.
Following the ceremony, tour groups in nine motorcade units will venture out across the City of Suffolk to visit the registered parties and enjoy the NNO fun happening in our City.
To find a community party near you, visit the Suffolk National Night Out website at www.suffolknno.com. Suffolk finished second in the nation in 2017 in our population category and we are out to add to our four first place finishes in national judging with a strong showing this year.
National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), and co-sponsored locally by the Suffolk Police Department, will involve millions of people in tens of thousands communities across the United States, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. National Night Out is designed to:
• heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;
• generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts;
• strengthen neighborhood unity and spirit, as well as enhance police - community partnerships;
• send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Lock your doors, turn on your porch lights, and join your friends and neighbors on Tuesday, August 7th to show that Suffolk truly is united and dedicated to building a safer, more caring City!