Seven block parties were held in Emporia to recognize National Night Out, a national event to discourage crime and drugs in neighborhoods.
Brendy Allison, community service officer with the Emporia Police Department, said there were seven parties total in Emporia and two of them combined to make one large party. Allison had one on her block as well with more than 30 people.
“And we have just a small block. I was quite pleased with the turnout,” she said. “We got really good reports on all of them. The chief went around and visited the parties and the balloons went over really well that we gave to the kids. I was quite happy.”
Police officers visited parties through the evening and fire trucks came around and gave tours and taught kids about safety, Allison said.
Allison said the police department learned a lot during the first trial run of the National Night Out. Signs needed to go out earlier, she said. The signs also need to be placed higher off the ground. All but one sign advertising National Night Our block parties was stolen.
“We put those signs down good,” Allison said. “Somebody went to a lot of trouble to get those signs.”
The police department will be holding National Night Out next year, Allison added.
“We’re already talking about some changes to make it bigger and better,” she said. “I think what we learned this time will make it bigger and better next time.”
Tuesday evening’s parties also collected canned goods for the Salvation Army.
“I’m know I’m going to fill up my truck with canned goods,” Allison said. “The Salvation Army should be really happy.”
kcfan (anonymous) says...
All the signs were stolen to promote a party which discourages crime and drugs in neighborhoods? Ah the irony. This website is my daily entertainment. ;)
August 5, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
hmmmm. never saw any cop cars or firetrucks on my block. I must live in a safe neighborhood, yeah right Thanks guys!
August 5, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )