As Angel's Night Approaches, Neighborhoods Ready Legion Of Watchful Volunteers
DETROIT (WWJ) -- With the annual Angel's Night campaign in Detroit starting Wednesday and continuing through Halloween night on Friday, a final push is underway for additional volunteers to patrol the streets and keep an eye on vacant structures.
District Manager for the Department of Neighborhoods Stephanie Young said that she's encouraged by the number of volunteers this year.
"We just got a report the other day and our numbers look fabulous -- we are actually up," Young said. "But we don't take anything for granted, but of course there's always room for more patrollers."
Young says even if you are unable to patrol the streets, they are looking for volunteers to contact them to let them know that they're willing to keep an eye on vacant structures in their neighborhoods.
Young added that it is important for parents to understand that there will be a curfew in effect and that parents will be held responsible for their young people.
"All young people under the age of 18 are going to have to be off the streets around 6 p.m., because that's what time the patrols start," Young said. "What's key is that they're coming late from school or if they have jobs, then they'll need some kind of note with them to alert authorities in case they're found out after the curfew hours."
Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Edsel Jenkins credits the growing participation of Angel's Night citizen volunteers with the continued decline in arson fires being seen throughout the city during the three-day Halloween period.
"They love fireman, they love what we do and they look out for us," Jenkins said. "We get calls all the time about dangerous buildings, about hydrants out of service, so the public is really aware that protecting the city from the ravage of fires is really something that everyone needs to participate in."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan even went door-to-door earlier this month to try to drum up volunteers for the annual campaign.