Towns near top for Night Out events

The police departments from South Elgin and West Dundee have been named national award winners for their participation in this year's 25th Annual National Night Out Against Crime program.

Both departments placed in the top 10 of their respective population categories. South Elgin, which holds its event on the first Tuesday of August at Concord Park, was awarded ninth place in the 15,000 to 49,999 population category, a six-place jump from last year's 15th place, said Donna Babica, administrative assistant to the police chief. "We are excited about the award," Babica said. "We try and get involved year to year because this is a very positive community event for us."

Bartlett came second in the nation in the same category.

Babica applauded the work of Jeffrey Cooper, the South Elgin police officer who prepared the village's award submission.

Meanwhile, West Dundee entered the awards for the first time and finished 10th in the category for groups with a population of less than 15,000.

Held in the parking lot of the Target store on Route 72, West Dundee's event attracted about 3,500 people, said Community Service Officer Kevin Burke, a co-organizer of the event.

"This was a phenomenal achievement for us," Burke said. "We have participated in National Night Out for the past three years and each year we strive to make it better and better. Finishing in 10th place is an indication that we do put everything into National Night Out."

Burke credited Sgt. Andy Wieteska for its success.

National Night Out is sponsored each year by the National Association of Town Watch, which estimated 37 million people in 15,449 communities participated in 2008 events.

The program is designed to heighten drug and violence awareness in the community while connecting local law enforcement agencies and residents.