Scores of Park Slopers poured into the streets on Tuesday evening to celebrate National Night Out Against Crime with their neighborhood foot soldiers — the neighborhood beat cops.
Uniformed officers and families in the Slope’s 78th Precinct took part in the annual anti-crime affair, which was just one event out of thousands held in cities across the country.
The fun-filled celebration brings police and community members together to promote neighborhood crime prevention programs and strengthen relationships between civilians and police officers. The nation’s first National Night Out was held back in 1984 to let criminals know that society is taking back the night against felons.
“People came out to support us and we were there to support them,” said officer Jerry Galante, a spokesman for the 78th Precinct. “It was a well-rounded evening.”
Dozens of residents turned out for the annual anti-crime parade hosted by the 78th Precinct’s Community Council, which kicked off at Fifth Avenue and Sterling Place and wended its way through Park Slope to Grand Army Plaza. The precinct’s Deputy Inspector Michael Ameri and 78th Precinct Community Council president Pauline Blake led the small parade.
The celebration truly got going at Grand Army Plaza. But amid all the vintage cars, kid-friendly rock climbing, Brazilian capoeira performances, free food, giveaways, live music, and fun-filled family activities, were serious talks of crime prevention tips and how the community can get more involved with the police department.
Other National Night Out events were held at local precincts across Brooklyn from Greenpoint to Coney Island.
Reach reporter Natalie Musumeci at nmusumeci@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4505. Follow her at twitter.com/souleddout.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
