Chief’s Column: It’s finally time for the return of National Night Out

Residents throughout Grafton are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Grafton Police Department, will involve over 16,400 communities from all 50 states and U.S. territories. In all, millions are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”

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.

National Night Out is an extraordinary way to build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships. Neighbors meet neighbors – and citizens and local law enforcement have the opportunity to enhance their relationships.

On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Grafton Police Department, will be hosting its annual “National Night Out Block Party.” The event will be held adjacent to the Grafton Police Station from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

There will be free amusements including an inflated bounce house/soft slide, face painting, a roving magician, music, games and prizes for children and adults as well as literature on crime prevention, drug awareness, fraud, personal safety, mental health, child passenger safety, emergency preparedness and fire prevention. Citizens will also have the opportunity to speak with police and other town officials about problems or concerns in their neighborhood.

Children’s bicycle helmets provided by Direnzo Towing and Recovery will be distributed as well as free gun locks. The Lions Club Sight Mobile will also be on site with health and safety information.

There will be a display of police cruisers, motorcycles, seized drug paraphernalia and fire department vehicles. State and federal law enforcement agencies will also be participating. FREE pizza, hot dogs, pies, as well as other refreshments, while they last, will also be available.

Past event sponsors include: Dunkin Donuts, Pepperoni Express, Homefield Credit Union, UniBank, Swirls & Scoops, Grafton Job Corps, E.L. Harvey & Sons, Table Talk Pies, Pepsi, All Phase Glass, Direnzo Towing & Recovery and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

After a two-year hiatus, the Grafton Police Department invites all residents of Grafton to join forces with them at the “National Night Out Block Party” to give crime and drugs a going away party. If you would like more information on National Night Out or the National Association of Town Watch, please go to www.nationalnightout.org.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police