Law enforcement officers planning annual community 'meet and greet'
By John Joyce
Published in News on July 31, 2015 1:46 PM
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce president Kate Daniels has been tapped to speak at the 32nd Annual National Night Out in Herman Park Aug. 4.
Thirty-one vendors have signed on to host booths or displays at the event, which is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m.
The annual gathering held simultaneously in cities across the nation each year is designed to bring communities and law enforcement personnel together for a night of crime-free and drug-free interaction.
In addition to the Goldsboro event, Mount Olive also will host its National Night Out festivities in the parking lot of the Mount Olive Police Station at 114 E. James St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
"This is a friendly event, a time to meet law enforcement officers and other members of our community," organizer Cpl. Marissa Davis said.
Ms. Davis and Cpl. Ronald McDuffie of the Goldsboro Police Department head up the event each year through the department's Crime Prevention Unit.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Goldsboro Fire Department also participate each year.
Ms. Davis said Ms. Daniels was asked to speak because of her active role in the community.
The chamber president serves on the board of directors of the American Red Cross and is a member of the Goldsboro Rotary Club, the WORKS advisory committee of Wayne Community College and the Goldsboro Junior Woman's Club.
"Whether it's with business or leadership, her friendliness and willingness to help any individual succeed is a great addition to our city," Ms. Davis said.
Several returning vendors include the Wayne County Health Department, Wayne Community College, Target, the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiters Station, several area churches and restaurants and many others.
The Mount Olive event will host a bouncy house and dunking booth, along with a water balloon toss and bingo. A station will be set up for parents to have their children fingerprinted and identification cards made -- ways to help locate the child in the event he or she should ever go missing. A disc jockey will play music and give away door prizes.
Mount Olive Police Capt. Lynda Tyson said everything is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
"National Night Out is an annual community campaign that promotes police and community partnership and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer and better place to be," Ms. Tyson said.