BenU hosts National Night Out events

Lisle's Benedictine University will observe National Night Out with public safety demonstrations, a display of emergency vehicles and more, organizers say.

The free event is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the school, 5700 College Road, as part of the nationwide observance. All activities are open to the public.

Since the first National Night Out was launched by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984, it has involved more than 38 million people in 16,500 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada and military bases worldwide.

Visitors to Benedictine's second annual observation will have the opportunity to view police, fire and other emergency vehicles, and interact with members of the Lisle and Woodridge police department, Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, North Central College Campus Safety, College of DuPage Police Department, Illinois Secretary of State Police and The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Police Department.

The event also will feature a DUI obstacle golf cart course for adults, K-9 narcotics detection demonstrations, Moon Jump bounce house and hay ride for children, bag toss and games, food, and raffle prizes.

The event will begin with a tribute to fallen police officers and firefighters by the Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department, followed by remarks from Benedictine University Police Chief Mike Salatino and Lisle Mayor Joe Broda.

"This is a great chance for anyone to come and learn more about their local emergency service providers and what we do in an open, fun and friendly setting," Salatino said. "This is also a great time for us to address questions and get better acquainted with people who care deeply about the strength and vitality of their community."

For more information about National Night Out, contact Debbie Vanderploeg at (630) 829-6122 or dvanderploeg@ben.edu, or Amanda Warren at (630) 829-6669 or awarren@ben.edu.