by Dennis Dalman
(See photos page 11)
Sartell Police Chief described the recent “National Night Out” celebrations in Sartell as really fun events with lots of good food, good neighbors, good people.
A total of 24 neighborhoods in the city organized their own outdoor parties for National Night Out, which is an annual event observed in cities nationwide to enhance public safety within neighborhoods. The get-togethers also allow neighbors to get to know one another, to raise awareness of safety issues and to open lines of communication between police officers, firefighters and other public servants.
Hughes said so many people contributed to the success: the Public Works Department employees erected safety traffic barricades, the police department took reservations, a city-hall worker sent out to residents information about scheduling for Night Out.
Many police and firefighters went from event to event to meet the neighbors over grilled food and potluck foods.
Council member Jeff Kolb heartily agreed.
“It does bring the community together and in the times we’re in right now, that’s very important,” Kolb said.
Mayor Ryan Fitzthum also expressed enthusiasm.
“That’s easily one of my favorite events,” he said. “You get to meet so many people in so many neighborhoods. Grilling. Having a good time. And the conversations are so impactful.”
Sartell firefighter Rusty Deters walks a mother and her sons to a firetruck on display Aug. 3 during National Night Out at Val Smith Park. They are (left to right) Tara Nelsen; Rae Askin, 5, and Gabe Askin, 7, all of Sartell. The Sartell police and fire departments made 28 visits during National Night Out.
Brant Ruhl, of Sartell, grills hamburgers and hot dogs to feed a crowd Aug. 3 at Val Smith Park’s National Night Out.
