Commissioners Recognize National Night Out

August 7 will be the date for the nationwide crime, drug and violence prevention program. The Board of El Paso County Commissioners recognized National Night Out at its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 31.

“The 35th annual National Night Out is a positive, proactive opportunity for El Paso County to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative, police-community crime prevention efforts,” said Board President Darryl Glenn as he read the Proclamation into the record.

Law enforcement and community partnerships, neighborhood safety, awareness and cooperation are the key themes of the National Night Out program and critical to successfully maintaining safe, vibrant and attractive neighborhoods.

“This is a very important program,” said Commissioner Peggy Littleton. “There is safety in the community when people know their neighbors.”

National Night Out began in 1984 with neighborhoods in only 23 states participating. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide movement, active in all 50 states as well as military installations, encompassing 38 million neighbors, said Brent Ambuehl, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Coordinator. National Night Out is celebrated with block parties, street festivals and cookouts, giving people a reason to spend time outside in the community.

“This provides Sheriff’s Deputies and other law enforcement the opportunity to interact with the community in very positive ways,” said Board President Pro Tem Mark Waller.

For information about celebrations around El Paso County, the Sheriff’s Office recommends contacting local Neighborhood Watch Captains. Events in the County include:

5 p.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday, August 4