The 28th Annual National Night Out has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2012. Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2011.
National Night Out is designed to:
1. Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
2. Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts;
3. Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
4. Send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
At National Night Out 2011 in Dayton, 38 exhibits were on hand, providing the public with information regarding the many services provided in our community and regionally. Both Life Flight and Medstar helicopters flew in for display as well as the DSHS mobile community services office and CI Shred. The Sheriff's Department dunk tank was a big hit again this year, with Sheriff Walt Hessler and other officers doing time in the hot seat.
Many special activities were featured at National Night Out 2011, including a community cookout with free hotdogs provided by Blue Mountain Counseling served up by members of the Dayton Lion's Club and Dayton Kiwanis, along with free soft drinks provided by Pepsi-Cola Bottling. There was free swimming in the Dayton City pool all night long. Youth activities will be provided by Columbia County Public Health and the YWCA Fun Factory, along with contests and prize drawings all evening long by various exhibitors. Fire District #3 and Waitsburg Ambulance were also on hand putting several of their emergency response vehicles on display. At the end of the evening, Blue Mountain Counseling provided a free movie in the park to close out the evening, along with free popcorn courtesy of Columbia County Public Transportation.
We had a great time! Hope to see you again next year at National Night Out 2012!
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