On a balmy Tuesday evening, hundreds of families gathered for “National Night Out” events in Lynwood and the Florence/Firestone District to bring the community together. “National Night Out” is a national event designed to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals - letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
The “National Night Out” event in Florence/Firestone featured a local band, face painters, displays from the Sheriff’s Department, and a half mile march through the neighborhood. The march was a great way to take the positive message of the “National Night Out” to the people, and show criminals their neighbors are united and partnered with the police.
The event in Lynwood featured displays from the Sheriff’s Department, including members from Special Enforcement Bureau (SWAT Team) who brought an armored vehicle, the reserve mounted unit, who delighted the kids with one of the horses used in crowd control and other ceremonial events, a dune buggy used to compete against other agencies, and a radio car featuring some of the latest technology to combat crime.
Other community groups at the event included Saint Francis Hospital, local businesses, mobile health screenings, bands, an impromptu aerobics class, and tribal dancers.
The success of this year’s events builds upon the efforts of police partnering with the community, and empowering citizens to stand up against crime.
Photo courtesy of City of Lynwood
