By WKTV Staff
The City of Kentwood 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 seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings throughout the city. Most events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and enable residents to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.
Mayor Kepley
“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re looking forward to spending an evening out and about in our city celebrating the community effort that makes Kentwood such a wonderful place to call home.”
Food, fun and games
Multiple community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. These include events at the following locations:
- Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities 5-8 p.m.
- Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party 6-8 p.m.
“Community outreach”
Kentwood Police Sargeant Tim Wierenga said community outreach is one of the main reasons for this event.
“Allowing our community members to engage with officers and elected officials near their homes, asking questions about current or ongoing issues that they may have not asked if this was not available and seeking input on how to handle disputes or just simply saying ‘Hi,’ and sharing a pop or snack,” Wierenga said.
“Our department truly enjoys getting out and talking with the community in this very casual manner. I know that several party planners will reach out many months ahead of time due to the positive reactions they receive from their residents.”
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.
“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”
National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. The observance seeks to promote community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO. Groups who are interested in hosting an event can reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Derrick Wolterink at wolterinkd@kentwood.us or 616-656-6569.
