County Executive’s Corner: “National Night Out”

By County Executive Ed Day

In two weeks, Rockland County will join with 16,000 other communities across our Nation to host our first ever, county-wide, National Night Out (NNO) at Palisades Credit Union Park on August 8^th beginning at 5:00 PM. National Night Out has been held annually since 1984 and while several municipalities here in Rockland have held this event before, this is the first one that is geared to ALL county residents.

The stated goal of National Night Out is to promote partnerships between the community and first responders to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. I view it as much more than that. I view it as another way we are building bridges amongst our residents. I view it as one more connection forged and another example that we all seek the same things for ourselves and our families.

As a former member of law enforcement, I understand just how important it is to take part in events like these. The safety of our communities depends on both law enforcement and the people they protect and serve. National Night Out is a way to enhance that cooperation so neighbors and first responders can build the relationships that are the key to responding to community based issues.

These relationships are especially important as so many of Rockland’s first responders are volunteers. If you join us at National Night Out, they will be able to show you ways you can get involved in helping your own neighbors and communities. This is a chance for us all to overcome a culture and rhetoric that isolates us from each other; a chance to rediscover our own neighbors and communities.

I want to thank our partners in law enforcement and the fire and emergency services who will be helping make this a special night for all involved. We couldn’t do this without our hosts at Ramapo PD, the Hillcrest Fire Department, Spring Hill Ambulance Corps and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department.

The best part of all of this is that it is a completely free event! From 5:00 – 7:00 PM you can meet our first responders and see the display of their vehicles including fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and even the search and rescue helicopter! There will be live music, face painting and a bounce house for children.

The Rockland Boulders have also donated ticket vouchers to their game against the Quebec Capitales that starts at 7:00 PM. You can pick up the vouchers at my office in New City, 11 New Hempstead Road, Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM or at four other locations around the county which you can see on the Rockland’s Facebook page.

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