National Night Out set for Tuesday
By Gary Popp
Published in News on July 30, 2011 11:26 PM
People throughout Wayne County are invited to meet the lawmen who patrol their neighborhoods and enjoy entertainment and food at the 28th Annual National Night Out.
The event will be held at Herman Park from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
National Night Out is a coast-to-coast, annual event to strengthen the bond between citizens and the men and women who carry badges.
"We are asking citizens to come out to unify law enforcement and the community," Goldsboro police Cpl. Marissa Davis said.
Ms. Davis said the festive evening is an opportunity to encourage communication among people who want to take a stand against the criminal activity taking place where they live.
Members of the Goldsboro Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the state Highway Patrol will be in the park to interact with citizens.
"We want to take back our neighborhoods," Ms. Davis said. "We want to let (the public) know the police are here to assist them with what they need to fight crime."
Ms. Davis said community participation is crucial for the police department to work efficiently.
She said she wants people to leave the event energized to be the eyes and ears of the Goldsboro police.
"We can't be everywhere," Ms. Davis said. "If you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, report it instead of looking at it and letting it go by."
Information will also be handed out at the event by local service providers, including Wayne Uplift Domestic Violence center, Gateway Transit, Goldsboro/Wayne County Crime Stoppers, Legal Aid, Boys and Girls Club, Goldsboro Family YMCA Girl Scouts of America.
Those who attend will also have a chance to learn about setting up community watch groups in their neighborhoods.
Free dental examinations are being provided to children by Colgate Bright Smiles/Bright Futures RV, which will be assisted by the office of Dr. Philip Brantly, DDS, located on Parkway Drive.
This year's guest speaker is current executive director of N.C. Victim Assistance Network, Tom Bennett. Bennett's resume includes experience working as a journalist, serving at non-profit agencies such as the N.C. Child Fatality Task Force and lobbying the N.C. General Assembly.
Nearly 20 vendors will set up booths under the park's shelter and others will sprawl throughout the lawn.
Entertainment will include performances by several faith-based organizations, including Continental Community Children's Choir; All Gods' Children, a brother and sister duet from Wilson; Spirit Filled Family Worship Center, which will deliver a dance performance; and Whitley Church, based in Princeton, which will give a mime performance.
Food will include hot dogs donated by Harvest Fellowship Church. Other refreshments will also be available.
Door prizes will be handed out that were provided by Target.
The event is sponsored by the Goldsboro Police Depart-ment, Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Goldsboro Housing Authority.