A fun night out
PPD’S ‘National Night Out’ reaches out to community
Rather than meeting in a formal way, Porterville residents and police officers got together at Veterans Park Tuesday afternoon to barbecue, talk and enjoy treats like shaved ice while engaging in activities and winning prizes.
Porterville Police Department hosted “National Night Out” Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the community to enjoy from food, games, music and activities while chatting with fellow residents. “It’s an effort of bringing the community to- gether to an environment where residents can feel comfortable with law enforcement,” said Captain Dominic Barteau from the PPD. “We can interact with the community and talk to each other, while we enjoy from a good barbecue.”
PPD engaged in several activities by having a dance competition with the mascot, a K-9 demonstration and tug of war with the kids.
“We bring food and everybody in the community together,” Barteau said. “It’s a great event to have people here and just have a dialogue, to
create communication between the civilians and the police, instead of having the formal communication of calling the police because your car broke down or what ever the incident is.”
Steve Walker, community service and prevention officer, was in charge of organizing the event. Walker mentioned this is the third consecutive year of doing the event, though about ten years ago they did the event for about six years in a row.
“We took a break and we started again,” said Walker. “I'm pleased with what we are seeing. People are being engaged in what's happening, it's good so far.”
Walker mentioned about 35 booths signed up to be at the event to provide different resources to the community to ensure people are aware of help that is available.
Porterville Parks and Leisure, Porterville Unified School District, Burton School District, California Highway Patrol, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, Porterville Runners, PC Rocks, Walmart, Veterans Crisis Center, and many more organizations were tabling at the event.
The Porterville Fire Department, the SWAT team, and Imperial Ambulance team were all displaying their vehicles for the community to explore.
“It's our first time at the event, and it's super nice what they are doing,” said Judy Sanchez, accompanied by her husband Larry Sanchez and grandson Aiden.
Mrs, Sanchez mentioned that her grandson even got some time to have a conversation with a police officer and he was very excited.
“I've had a fun time today,” said Mr. Sanchez. “They have really good food offered and we feel very safe at the event with all of the police.”
Rosana Alcantar, differential response case manager at the Family Resource Center and Parenting Network, had a table at the event to inform and help families in the community with referrals to the Child Welfare Services (CWS) or let them know about walk-ins for those in need of food and clothing.
“Events like this make the environment a lot more friendly. Police are here to help and make individuals feel more comfortable,” said Alcantar. “Having all the activities and kids interacting with police, it's just great.”
This year is the 35th national celebration of the event. National Night Out has occurred annually since 1984 with the purpose of creating a bond between community law enforcement officers and its residents.
It all started in 1981, when the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) was founded to connect community watch programs across the nations and provided them the resources they needed to make a difference in their neighborhoods.
In 1984 National Night Out was introduced as a night where community members and local police officers would band together to meet each other and discuss safety concerns, during that time they also celebrated the neighborhoods where they lived at.
“Our goal for today is to create a bond with the community and let them know we are here for them,” said Barteau. “I hope everyone gets to leave the event getting to know a law enforcement officer.”