Mingle with law enforcement at night out

National Night Out Against Crime in South Elgin will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Concord Park, off Concord Avenue and Valley Forge Avenue, east of McLean Boulevard. Presented in a carnivallike atmosphere, the police department and other area law enforcement and public service providers demonstrate commitment to police-community partnerships in a variety of professional and fun ways.

Events include: Illinois police alarm system tactical truck; U.S. Marine Corps vehicle and Hummer display; visits from McGruff and Sparky the Fire Dog; Dunk-a-Cop dunk tank; The Balloon Magician, Tom Hollbrook; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives emergency response vehicle and a K-9 demonstration; Illinois State Police District vehicles; and an airplane flyover.

Emergency and public works vehicles are on display, so bring your camera for great photo opportunities with the kids. There will be hayrides, children's games and tours of the fire district's safety house.

Other demonstrations and programs include: distribution of child identification kits; South Elgin Community Development Sucker Tree Raffle (winner receives free motion detector kit for front yard); distribution of free gunlocks; police tactics and weapons, evidence procurement, crime prevention, drug and gang resistance, and traffic unit displays; Tower Hill Healthcare Center sale of snow cones with proceeds benefiting "Too Good for Drugs" education program.

Want to feel safer? Get to know your neighbors. Kick start your own police-community project by sponsoring a block party in your neighborhood. Block parties held the weekend before the National Night Out Against Crime event are also a great way to get to meet your public safety team. Arrange to have a member of the police or fire department at your party by calling the department in advance. For details, call Randy Endean, administrative sergeant, at (847) 741-2151.