By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
BUCYRUS — From cookouts to parties and picnics, local residents are gearing up for National Night Out 2018 on Aug. 7 from 4-9 p.m.
Jenni Gerger, a dispatcher with the Bucyrus Police Department, said 11 neighborhood parties have registered for the event as of Wednesday.
“We would love to have more parties registered. If people register with us by Monday, they will be able to get on the list so that barricades can be provided to block off the street along with visits from police and fire,” Gerger said.
Gerger said there have been as many as 23 block parties planned in the city during previous years.
National Night Out began in 1984 after it was introduced by Matt Peskin, the founder and executive director of the National Association of Town Watch. The goal of the event is to foster a strong relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.
“Neighbors who know each other are more likely to watch out for each other and notice when something is strange in the neighborhood,” Gerger said.
Gerger said people still may plan a party for Aug. 7 and call to give their information to the police department.
“If it is after the deadline, we may not be able to get them on the official list, but they can still have their street blocked off for the party,” Gerger said.
Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent said there is one family within the county registered for National Night Out so far.
“It is a great opportunity for people to get to know their neighbors and it provides an opportunity for law enforcement to meet with residents under positive circumstances,” Kent said. “Many times, when we are called, people are in crisis, so this is a fun opportunity to meet with people and talk with them.”
Along with firefighters and law enforcement officers, Bucyrus City Council members will be making their way around to the block parties. The regularly scheduled council meeting for Aug. 7 has been changed to 7 p.m. on Aug. 6 to allow council members the opportunity to participate in National Night Out.
To register a neighborhood block party in Bucyrus, call the Bucyrus Police Department at 419-562-1006 and to register one in the county, call the Deputy Jeff Windbigler at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office at 419-562-7906.
For more information on National Night Out, visit its website.