Dearborn Police Celebrate National Night Out Aug. 6

The Dearborn Police Department is inviting residents to attend National Night Out at the Dearborn Police Station, 16099 Michigan Ave., on Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is a free event sponsored by Target stores and the Dearborn Police Department. This year marks the 30th year of the national event that is celebrated in nearly every city, town and village in the United States. In addition to increasing awareness of crime prevention programs, National Night Out also strengthens neighborhood spirit and community-police partnerships, while sending a message to criminals that "neighborhoods are organized, working with police and are fighting back against crime.”

“Dearborn is a prime example of a community that works in partnership with its police department and the private sector. Together these partnerships have made real strides in crime prevention and quality of life issues," Dearborn Chief Ronald Haddad said.

This year’s event will be held in the police department’s east parking lot, and will include free hot dogs, drinks and ice cream; a bounce house for children; free throw basketball contests with prizes; and the Dearborn Fire Department’s newest fire truck.

The Dearborn Police Department will will also have police patrol vehicles on display alongside with bomb squad equipment, SWAT vehicles, the K-9 Unit, an armored personnel carrier, and the Wayne County Mobil Command Post.

The police will also have crime prevention material, Neighborhood Watch information, take home child identification kits and NIXLE information available at the event.

Additional law enforcement agencies participating in the event include:

• The Michigan Department of Natural Resources

• Detroit Police Special Response Team

• U. S. Secret Service

• Michigan State Police Motorcycle Units

• Wayne County Down River Dive Team

• Oakwood Hospital Security Police

• Fairlane Town Center Security

• University Of Michigan Police

• U.S. Army

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is a neighborhood crime and drug prevention event that occurs annually on the first Tuesday in August every year.

Last year’s national campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states.

This event is in line with Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano’s, “If you see something, say something” campaign.

Chief Haddad participated in the development of this campaign and he has implemented it throughout the city of Dearborn promoting community involvement in combating crime.

“It’s gratifying to partner with such a strong national retailer like Target, that takes a vested interest in the communities where they are located and are willing to show their commitment to public safety in such a meaningful and constructive way," Haddad said.  

Haddad is requesting that in support of National Night Out, all Dearborn residents turn on their front porch lights on Aug. 6, and make an extra effort to look out for neighbors.