National Night Out Tuesday at Veteran's Memorial Park

National Night Out, a community event introduced nearly three decades ago to promote "police-community partnerships" and "neighborhood camaraderie" across the United States, kicks off at 7 p.m. in Town Square, Veteran's Memorial Park in East Meadow.

The event will be held rain or shine.

“National Night Out is an annual opportunity for the community to unite with law enforcement to take a stand against crime," Nassau County Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves, event co-sponsor, said. "It is the chance for neighbors and police to gather together to learn how both the police and the residents can fight drug use and criminal activity. This year’s theme focuses on children and child safety, so I urge all families to join us for this light-hearted, educational evening.”

This year's program will feature the Nassau County Police Department Young Explorer Program, R.E.A.C.H. (Return Every Adult & Child Home) Program, information on Megan’s Law, child I.D. kits, Office of Emergency Management and a demonstration by the Nassau County Arson Robot. The First and Third Precincts' POP units will also be on hand to answers questions on public safety.

Educational literature on child safety, personal and property safety, Internet safety and drug prevention will be available. The evening will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony.

The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” began in 1984 as an effort to promote community involvement in crime prevention activities - and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a non-profit dedicated to the "development and promotion" of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups.

"While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round. The night celebrates safety and crime prevention successes and works to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days," Dolores Rome, president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, said in a recent chamber newsletter.

Gonsalves (R-East Meadow, LD 13) is sponsoring the event along with Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas V. Dale together with the First and Third Police Precincts and the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations (CEMCO).

Light refreshments will be served. Balloon animals, entertainment by “Fairy Tales Production” and ices, popcorn and cotton candy will be on hand for all to enjoy. For additional information, contact Legis. Gonsalves’ office at 571-6213, ngonsalves@nassaucountyny.gov or visit www.nationalnightout.org.