Police pleased with Tri-Cities Night Out turnout

About 700 people spent a relaxing evening with local police last week at National Night Out events in the Tri-Cities area, officials said.

Campton Hills police reported the largest turnout, with an estimated 500 visitors Tuesday, while the Kane County Sheriff's office had about 200.

National Night Out is an annual community crime-fighting program where police and other emergency service providers mingle with the public over food, games and demonstrations.

"It's always rewarding to see the look on the kids' faces when they get to shake hands with one of the deputies or sit in a squad card," Lt. Pat Gengler of the sheriff's office said.

This year, Campton Hills blocked off School Road near Wasco Elementary School and lined it with fire trucks, police cars, snowplows and other vehicles from the village fleet. There also were horses from the Kane County Mounted Riders.

At the Kane County Judicial Center on Route 38 in St. Charles Township, the sheriff's office had SWAT and bomb squads, firefighters, a helicopter and FBI officials, among other attractions. Visitors also could tour the county jail.

"The highlight is always when the air ambulance comes in," Gengler said. "Luckily, not many people get to see one of these up close. It always draws a crowd."

Gengler said sheriff's employees donated their time for the event, so there was no payroll cost or overtime.

"We always wish the (attendance) numbers were higher, but were happy with the turnout," he said. For the first time in several years, there was no National Night Out in the city of St. Charles, because of budget restraints. Batavia scheduled one but later canceled it for the same reason.