'Night Out' called a success
By Lee Williams
Published in News on August 15, 2007 1:45 PM
A record 2,000 people turned out for the 24th annual National Night Out event held 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 at Herman Park, Goldsboro police Cpl. Teresa Cox said.
The event featured food, games and entertainment from a variety of groups, including churches, faith-based organizations and other musical groups.
Cpl. Cox and Cpl. Marissa Davis organized the event, and after about five months of planning, they said it was good to see their efforts paid off.
"It was a nice, respectful crowd," Cpl. Davis said. "Although it was hot, they didn't seem to mind."
Cpl. Cox said she was surprised by the response from the faith-based community, but she was pleased.
"When we first started organizing the event, we didn't plan on it being a 'Gospel Night,' but it ended up there,"she said.
Keynote speaker was Dr. Sherri Smith, chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at Mount Olive College. Miss Goldsboro Nicki Sanderson was host for the event. Three dozen businesses, churches, public safety units and other organizations took part.
During the event, residents got a chance to learn about crime prevention and interact with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Goldsboro Police Department, Arr-Mac Water Response Team, Goldsboro Fire Department, SWAT Teams, Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad and sheriff's office helicopter team.
The purpose of National Night Out is to build ties between law enforcement and the community.
"We're doing this with the community and for the community to let them know law enforcement are people and we care about our community and that we are not just out there stopping speeders and arresting people," Cpl. Cox said.