(Danville) — A nice autumn evening served as the backdrop for this year’s National Night Out in Danville.
It’s the third year in a row Danville marked the event in October, rather than the traditional August date.
Tuesday’s National Night out started at the recently-renovated Westmoreland Park behind Head Start on Holbrook Street. Organizer Pepper Travis says National Night Out dates back to 1984. “We didn’t have all of the technology we do today to keep people in touch,” Travis said. “So what the neighbors would do is turn their porch lights on as a show of unity.”
Danville Police Chief Chris Wiles says the goal is to bring police officers closer to the communities they serve. “Since 1984 communities across our country have come together on one night for the purpose of neighborhood safety,” Wiles said. “To bring awareness of resources from their police departments and other community stakeholders. Its about partnerships. We cannot create safe communities without working together.”
And Wiles notes that the recently-renovated Westmoreland Neighborhood park was the idea location. “They never gave up despite facing obstacles…despite likely being told that it could not be done, that it is too difficult,” Wiles added. “And now you see the result of their vision, their partnership and their work.”
Other National Night Out events were held at Cardinal Village on the campus of Danville Community College, Grove Park, ARC Church at East Thomas and Cocoran Streets, and at Vance Street Church.