Hundreds show up for National Night Out

Residents, police officers, the Elmont Cardinals and elected officials came together at Dutch Broadway Park in Elmont for National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages joined together with the Elmont Cardinals to host the 29th anniversary of the event. 300 residents showed up to Dutch Broadway Park, known to locals as “The Sump,” to enjoy time with their neighbors and learn how to keep their community safe.

National Night Out is a nationwide program that promotes the partnership between police departments and the communities they serve. The night is designed to raise awareness on drug prevention and crime, as well as issues related to violence.

The events featured tables with information on different safety programs including Megan’s Law and the relatively new program, REACH (Return Every Adult and Child Home). The REACH Program is designed to help kids with disorders and the elderly. If a person registered in the program ever goes missing, REACH immediately sends out a picture and contact information. Members of the REACH staff were at National Night Out to allow people to sign up their child or loved one.

For kids, there was an array of fun activities available, including free food and various vendors. The Elmont Cardinals were also on hand to share information on their many youth sports teams including football and cheerleading.

Local Young Explorers were also honored at the event. The Young Explorers program takes children interested in law enforcement-related activities and introduces them to various aspects of police work.