National Night Out
In several weeks, Rockland County will join with 16,000 other communities across our Nation to host our 4th annual, county-wide, National Night Out (NNO) at Palisades Credit Union Park on August 17th beginning at 3:00 PM. National Night Out has been held annually since 1984 and while several municipalities here in Rockland have held this event before, this one is geared to ALL county residents.
The stated goal of National Night Out is to promote partnerships between the community and first responders to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. I view it as much more than that. I view it as another way we are building bridges amongst our residents. I view it as one more connection forged and another example that we all seek the same things for ourselves and our families.
As a former member of law enforcement, I understand just how important it is to take part in events like these. The safety of our communities depends on both law enforcement and the people they protect and serve. National Night Out is a way to enhance that cooperation so neighbors and first responders can build the relationships that are the key to responding to community-based issues.
These relationships are especially important as so many of Rockland’s first responders are volunteers. If you join us at National Night Out, they will be able to show you ways you can get involved in helping your own neighbors and communities. This is a chance for us all to overcome a culture and rhetoric that isolates us from each other; a chance to rediscover our own neighbors and communities.
I want to thank our partners in law enforcement and the fire and emergency services who will be helping make this a special night for all involved. We couldn’t do this without our hosts at Ramapo PD, the Hillcrest Fire Department, Spring Hill Ambulance Corps and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department.
The best part of all of this is that it is a completely free event! From 3:00 – 6:00 PM you can meet our first responders and see the display of their vehicles including fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and even the search and rescue helicopter! There will be live music, face painting and a bounce house for children. This year will also include a drone show finale.
I encourage all our Rockland County families to come enjoy a night out with Rockland’s finest.
