DUNKIRK – National Night Out is an annual event that brings local police departments and the public they serve closer together. This evening the Dunkirk Police Department will join communities and law enforcement officials across the nation as members of the public and law enforcement get together to share a positive experience.
The City of Dunkirk will celebrate National Night Out for the 25 straight year, all sponsored by the Dunkirk Police Department.
In a statement, Dunkirk officials said the event keeps growing.
“When many Communities have stopped their Night Out Programs, our program is going strong and still growing after 25 years. This is directly related to the dedication of our Night Out Coordinators, the Police Department, Fire Department and the citizens of our Community in working together as partners to keep our city safe. We will have some special events to celebrate our 25th year and will announce the 50/50 raffle winner,” the release said.
Officials said the National Night program is directly correlated to the neighborhood watch programs that are active throughout the community.
Tonight’s event is at Washington Park. Volunteers to help set up are asked to report to the park early. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a desert to pass.
The Police Department will be at Washington Park during the evening with patrol cars, McGruff the crime dog and Dunkirk K-9 officer Gunny will attend. The public will be afforded the opportunity to meet and interact with Police Officers.
Also participating again this year will be the Dunkirk Fire Department. Officials said the “The interaction between the Police Officers, Firefighters, City Officials and community residents build positive relationships that will benefit the entire community.”
Music will be provided by Zen City featuring Frank Beach, Bill Sutton, Justin Jakubowicz and Don Hinman. The Movie in the Park series is at dusk. This year the movie will be Zootopia.
The National Night Out celebration will start at about 6:30 p.m. with activities and then a movie in the park donated by Family Video featuring Zootopia will be shown at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Fifth Street will be barricaded from Washington Ave. to Park Ave. to allow those attending Night Out a place to park. There is also plenty of parking on Washington and Park Ave. in the surrounding area around Washington Park for everyone to attend the celebration.
Parents are encouraged not to send their children to this family event alone.
