National Night Out bridges gaps to bring neighbors and police together
MERRIONETTE PARK, Ill. (CBS)-- On this National Night Out, events are happening coast to coast with a mission to build trust between police and communities.
CBS 2's Sabrina Franza went to a couple of the events Tuesday night.
National Night Out is all about the community – serving it and being a part of it, and getting to know the smallest members. We caught up with Chicago Police Supt. David Brown at an event in Tri-Taylor on the West Side.
"Cops can be your friend. They can be someone that can help you, can mentor you – can dance, obviously," Brown said. "But we want to make sure that there's a comfort level with police – particularly with young people."
The event featured grilling and dancing, arts and crafts, and even a bouncy castle. Community members in attendance also emphasized the importance of police taking time to bridge the gap with the people they serve.
"This is it – and we're building now. It's about building," said Jemarquis Wright. "So these are the steps. We're taking the steps, and they're working."
Meanwhile in southwest suburban Merrionette Park, a dreamer hung out with his role models. Kemar Gallimore wants to be a police officer when he grows up.
"I want to be the police and I want to have a K9," he said.
Kemar got to see a police dog up close and personal.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign. The goal is that its effects last year-round.
"You want to be friends with the police officers and firefighters – get to know them," Kemar said, "and like, if you want to be kind to you, you have to be kind to them."
At the Merrionette Park National Night Out, Franza also joined some kids in painting rocks.
In Highland Park Tuesday night, U.S. Rp. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois) used National Night Out to honor some of the heroes who responded to the Highland Park parade massacre. A ceremony took place at City Hall in North Chicago.
Schneider honored the North Chicago officers who arrested the parade shooter.