The National Night Out Against Crime events hosted by New York’s Finest on Aug. 5 gave Brooklynites across the borough a chance to grab grub, two-step to some tunes, and talk to their neighborhood officers.
The events, hosted by local precincts, varied but visitors said the offered a great opportunity to meet with officers — and this time, it was residents doing the questioning.
“They were more than happy to answer you and try to get you the right answers,” said Jose Lorenzana, who attended the 60th Precinct’s event in Coney Island for the first time this year with his daughters. “A lot of information was given out there.”
Lorenzana said that the communication between the cops and community was his favorite part of the night, because it gave locals a chance to hear from the officers, who are usually too busy on the job to answer questions.
“The rapport with the police officers was the best part, because usually they’re busy working,” he said.
Kids flocked to the family-friendly festivities, which included face painting, hula hooping, and jumping rope.
At the 63rd Precinct’s event in Marine Park, kids played patrol by climbing into the emergency trucks.
“They liked to drive the different vehicles — they were in the fire truck, the police truck, and the emergency truck,” said Ella Smelyanksky, whose grandsons Alex and Max played in different vehicles throughout the night.
Smelyansky said the boys also loved the display of classic cars.
“I couldn’t pull them from there,” she said.
Precincts across the borough grilled out, and locals lined up for hot dogs and hamburgers. There were also drinks and dessert — and one precinct passed out fruit to people waiting for rides.
“They distributed cold watermelon to the people on the ride line,” said Sam Said, who attended the 62nd Precinct’s event in Bensonhurst with his sons.
But Said said the best part of the night for him was seeing his kids so tuckered out from a good time.
“The kids had plenty, plenty of fun,” he said. “My kids went to sleep so early last night.”
Reach reporter Vanessa Ogle at vogle@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4507. Follow her attwitter.com/oglevanessa.
Shaking things up: Angelo Rossignolo, an officer at the 61st precinct, shakes hands with Amir Bahdjaev.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Free food: Locals lined up to grab some grub — including hot dogs, chips, and popsicles.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Forever young: A singing group hits those high notes with their performance of “Young At Heart.”
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Commanding the crowd: The new Commanding Officer of the 61st Precinct, Deputy Inspector Carlos Valdez, smiles alongside locals.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
So much fun: Lisa Trentacosti and her nephew Anthony Trentacosti smile in style in a Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance at the 63rd Precinct’s National Night Out, held in Marine Park on Avenue U and E. 33rd Street.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Driving dudes: Alex and Max Smelyansky take a peek inside an NYPD vehicle at the 63rd Precinct’s National Night Out.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Side-by-side: Police Officer Thomas Podd from Community Affairs in the 63rd Precinct smiles alongside Elijah Cange.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Protecting force: Officer Ronette Benjamin of the 63rd Precinct poses alongside Cameron George.
Photo by Steve Solomonson
Listen up: Kayla Lorenzana is ready to make the rules while wearing a police cap at the 60th Precinct’s National Night Out, held at the precinct.
Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
A work of art: Angelina Lorenzana shows off her balloon creation at the 60th Precinct’s National Night Out.
Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
Step right up: George Verez serves a hot dog to Rachael Koznownki.
Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
No hands, ma: A group of kids hold up their hands on the King Kong ride, near the 60th Precinct.
Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
Trumpet tunes: The band gets the night off on the right note at the the 90th Precinct’s National Night Out in Williamsburg on Keap Street, between S. Second and S. Third streets.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Listen up: At the 90th Precinct, one of NYPD’s own leads the band.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Strike a pose: Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna smiles alongside locals at the 90th Precinct’s National Night Out.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Strong smiles: Deputy Inspector Mark DiPaolo poses with Amy and Lissy Santana at the 90th Precinct’s National Night Out.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Standing together: At the 94th Precinct’s National Night Out, Captain James Ryan stood next to locals at the event, located at the precinct on Lorimer Street and Meserole Avenue and Calyer Street, and held nation-wide to connect community members with officers.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Grabbing grub: Down at the 84th Precinct’s National Night Out, Officer Anita Sandoval and volunteer Eddie Fisher prepare hot dogs and burgers at Borough Hall, where the event was held.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Ready to rock: Councilman Steve Levin plays guitar with the Silver Stars Ukele group at the 84th Precinct’s National Night Out.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Safety first: At the 84th Precinct’s National Night Out, Memelek from Bushwick gives safety a thumbs up while keeping his noggin safe by wearing a new helmet he won at the event.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Dancing debut: Maureen Redman gets her groove on with the Remsen Neighborhood Zumbarettes at the 84th Precinct’s National Night Out.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Buckle up: Kezia Welbeck from East New York tries on the new bike helmet she won at the 84th Precinct’s National Night OUt.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Hot off the grill: Over at the 76th Precinct’s National Night Out, Katiana Riggins, a member of the Housing Explorers Unit, dishes out burgers.
Photo by Jason Speakman
Downing dogs: Ar-Malik Spencer, Jr. chows down on a hot dog at Coffey Park.
Photo by Jason Speakman
Airy art: Nyla Frazier holds up a balloon bunny at the 78th Precinct’s National Night Out, held at the Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Peace playlist: Chief Jeff Maddrey from the 78th Precinct plays disc jockey at the family-friendly outing.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Eat it up: The 78th Precinct’s free food drew a sizable crowd at the area’s National Night Out.
Photo by Elizabeth Graham
Teens times two: Moustafa Alaudi and Jean Almonte, both members of the Explorer club, have a snack at the 78th Precinct’s National Night Out.
