By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn
on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire
personnel.
Wyoming police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across
the city. Most events will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and residents will have the opportunity to
explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency
response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can
also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said. “Our team is looking forward to another fun year of building relationships with our residents and having a good time while connecting with the community we serve.”
Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen of the Wyoming Police Department agreed. “People are busier than they’ve ever been. It’s a great night for people to go outside the house, lock their doors, turn the lights on, and meet the neighbors,” Zuiderveen said.
The department will hold community events at Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema Rivertown, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church and The Door Church.
- Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a fire truck water
activity at 5:45 p.m. - Grace Christian Reformed Church, 3030 Burlingame Ave SW from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- The Door Church, 154 44th St. SW, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters
as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Director of Public
Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and
meaningful way. We are looking forward to returning to connecting with community members
across our city.”
Zuiderveen said residents benefit from knowing their neighbors. “[Neighbors] watch out for each other. They build relationships, they build trust. There is safety in numbers,” Zuiderveen continued. “If you are a victim of a crime, you are more willing to share it with your neighbors if there is trust.”
National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers,
neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from
porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build
relationships with public safety.
To learn more about the National Night Out, visit natw.org
