by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
The National Night Out the evening of Aug. 1 in Sartell was a “huge success,” said Ryan Fitzthum, a member of the Sartell City Council and a Sartell firefighter.
At the Aug. 21 Sartell City Council meeting, both Fitzthum and Sartell Police Chief praised Sartell residents for the good turnouts all throughout the city. There were 26 neighborhood National Night Out events in Sartell.
Fitzthum said he and other fire-department personnel were busy until about 10 p.m. visiting the many events to meet with residents. They had time to attend all but two of the 26 gatherings.
“Everyone involved had a great time,” he told his fellow council members.
Sartell police officers also attended the events to visit with people, and Hughes also had praise for the widespread residents’ involvement in the gatherings.
National Night Out is an annual event nationwide during which neighbors organize yard parties to get to know one another, to share safety and security concerns and to meet with public servants, such as police officers and firefighters. The goal is to help neighborhoods become safer places and for residents to learn how to become more vigilant and connected through a mutual-help network.
