Redmond residents make a stand against crime

A record number of Redmond residents celebrated the 27th Annual National Night Out Against Crime, a national crime prevention event, Tuesday evening. Neighbors had a chance to mingle with local politicians, public safety officials and community volunteers.

August 4, 2010 1:30 pm
McGruff the Crime Dog interacts with Maxim Jackson during a National Night Out barbecue at Valley Estates in Redmond Tuesday night.
McGruff the Crime Dog interacts with Maxim Jackson during a National Night Out barbecue at Valley Estates in Redmond Tuesday night.

A record number of Redmond residents celebrated the 27th Annual National Night Out Against Crime, a national crime prevention event, Tuesday evening. Neighbors had a chance to mingle with local politicians, public safety officials and community volunteers.

There were a record 41 different block parties throughout the city that participated in the event, which is designed to connect neighbors and create a united stand against crime in the community. Many of the parties provided food and drinks for city officials making a visit and one party even had some live entertainment.

“It’s all about building community and the first place to start is your own neighborhood,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione, who traveled around to five different neighborhood parties, including one at Brae Burn Golf and County Club in south Redmond. “You need to know your neighbors.”

Marchione said it’s important that neighbors build a relationship with their city public safety officials, especially in tight-budget times.

“With resources being limited, police can’t do everything, fire can’t do everything, we have to work in partnership and this is one way of making those partnerships stronger.”

Kids got a chance to see the inside of police patrol cars and fire engines, along with meeting the ever-popular McGruff the Crime Dog. Adults got a chance to voice their concerns and ask questions of their local politicians and public safety officials in a relaxed, positive setting.

“It’s a positive situation, they can ask away,” said Redmond Police Department Commander Mark Hagreen. “It’s just another opportunity to improve relationships in the community.”

By celebrating National Night Out Against Crime, local citizens joined more than 36 million people from all over the country. National Night Out Against Crime is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.