Brooklynites met and mingled with law enforcement officers on National Night Out on Aug. 4.
Launched in 1985 as a way for people to meet and get to know their local precincts in an informal setting, the event is held nationwide on the first Tuesday of August. The goal is to strengthen the partnership and trust between law enforcement and the community, thereby creating safer neighborhoods.
The NYPD hosted the annual community-building campaign at more than 70 locations citywide, including the cul-de-sac on 4th Street next to J.J. Byrne Park in Park Slope. There, officers of the 78th Precinct, local lawmakers, and community members celebrated with free pizza, cotton candy, hot dogs, brownies and cookies from Invictus Bakery, a climbing wall, and a basketball clinic hosted by Brooklyn Basketball while DJ Stevie kept the crowd entertained.
Erika Clark, the president of the 78th Precinct Community Council and the Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, said National Night Out is an opportunity for cops and the community to build trust.
“Unfortunately, the relationship with the NYPD throughout the city has deteriorated. So the opportunity to build this kind of community relationship to allow people to see the cops as people and as part of the community is very helpful,” Clark said.
The commanding officer of the 78th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Billy J. Morales thanked everyone for their support and noted that the precinct couldn’t do its work without the community’s help. He honored four community members: D’Angelo Brown, manager at Target and one of the event’s sponsors; Kim Maier, executive director of the Old Stone House; Mickey Heller, chair of Brooklyn Pride; and Rani Debi with a certificate of appreciation.
Heller, who also portrays Santa Claus at the annual Park Slope holiday tree-lighting event, was honored that his contributions to the community were recognized.
“Everything we do here, whether it’s Brooklyn Pride or as Santa, it is done for the community to lift spirits [and] to bring joy, and when people recognize you for things like that, it’s an honor,” Heller said.
Kay and Shernon Henry had never heard of National Night Out before, but their interest piqued when they heard the music while walking down Fifth Avenue.
“I was just walking, and I happened to hear the music,” Shernon said. “I said, ‘Listen, let me make my way over there.’ Came for some park excitement, just relaxation. And look around: it’s a beautiful scene. You know what I’m saying? Officers are out here. The kids are out here. Everybody’s enjoying themselves. It’s a fantastic day.
Events like National Night Out were “definitely” needed, he added.
Terrence Alexander, treasurer of the 78th Precinct Community Council, said National Night Out also sends a message to “bad actors.”
“When you get the community together, and they show up, it sends a message that we’re united and we’re willing to kind of take our community back. That’s sort of the origins of [National Night Out],” Alexander explained.
“People see the police department out here. They see the district attorney’s office out here. They see their local community groups out here, and we just remind ourselves that we’re all neighbors, and we build that trust together. That’s why National Night Out is so important,” Gounardes explained.
“One of the things that I always say is the National Night Out is about community. It’s about bringing people together with law enforcement because when we work together, everyone is safer, and that’s the most important message here,” Simon noted.
Further south, Coney Islanders flocked to the 60th Precinct’s annual block party-style celebration, complete this year with carnival games, performances and a visit from Cyclones mascot Sandy the Seagull.
Elected officials like state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso stopped by too as local residents and officers were honored for their contributions to the community.
— Additional reporting by Arthur de Gaeta