National Night Out Focuses on Child Safety

It was fitting that so many children attended Tuesday night's National Night Out event at Veteran's Memorial Park in East Meadow since this year's focus was on child safety.

The evening is an annual opportunity for the community to unite with law enforcement to take a stand against crime, according to event co-sponsor Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves. As she welcomed families to Town Square she said the night is a combination of education and fun.

This year's program featured the Nassau County Police Department's 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, which was a big hit amongst the younger set. The First and Third Precincts' POP units were also on hand to answers questions about public safety.

Literature on child safety, personal and property safety, Internet safety and drug prevention were also available. The evening concluded with a candle lighting ceremony.

"It's encouraging to see everyone out tonight," Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale said as he welcomed residents.

Michael Gunther, program manager at Parents for Megan's Law, interacted with the children, handing out pamphlets that highlighted 10 important safety rules, including "Know Who I Am and Where I Live."

Alexandria Deeks, 4, and her Mom attended the event for the first time. "We moved to East Meadow three-and-a-half years ago and when we got the flyer in the mail we decided to come see what it was all about," Deeks said.

Cotton candy, popcorn and Italian ices were at the ready thanks to A Taste of Home in North Bellmore and Mike Luzzi of MPG Inflatables. Face painting and Dot the Clown entertained the kids.

Gonsalves sponsored 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).