National Night Out returns to RO
Law enforcement agencies in Red Oak and Montgomery County are once again gearing up for National Night Out.
The event is slated from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Fountain Square Park.
Neighborhoods and partners throughout the county are invited to join over 38 million people in over 16,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada, and military bases worldwide.
National Night Out is nationally sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), Dietz and Watson, ADT, King’s Hawaiian, Associa, Ring and co-sponsored by the Red Oak Police Department, Red Oak Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Emergency Management. Red Oak Police Chief Justin Rhamy said the event serves to promote the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes public safety-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our communities safer, better places to live and work. Together, we are making that happen,” Rhamy said.
During the event, neighbors throughout the county are asked to lock their doors, turn on porch and yard lights and spend the evening with us at Fountain Square.
National Project Coordinator/Founder Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together and promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity.”
Rhamy said Red Oak has some great partners assisting in coordinating the event.
“There will be lots of free food and fun. Planned for the evening are kid’s games with many prizes, water fights and a dunk tank, a coloring contest, and stands with sno-cones, popcorn, and candy. While this will be a public safety event the theme this year will be “Safety of the Public.” With that will be numerous exhibits and promotions, bicycle helmet giveaways, farm and agriculture safety, school bus safety, internet, phone, Dig Safe and distracted driving presentations. We plan on having participation from LifeNet Helicopter, MCMH Mobile Clinic, Iowa Army National Guard, BNSF Police and Public Safety Unit, and many other partners. Numerous law enforcement, fire, ems, first responders and court officers that serve Red Oak/Montgomery County will be on hand,” Rhamy advised.
Additionally, meet and greet and photo opportunities with local public safety personnel and their vehicles will be offered. Rhamy said residents should plan on attending and registering for adult and children give-aways.
“This night’s event literally has something for everyone and we need your help and attendance. Your participation at Fountain Square Park will show your support for public safety and the ongoing need for safety of our community,” Rhamy said.
Questions may be directed to Chief Justin Rhamy with the Red Oak Police Department at 623-6500.