Dear Editor,

National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” began in 1984 as an effort to promote citizen’s involvement in crime prevention activities. The emphasis of police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie sends a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are fighting back.

On August 5, 2014, over 500 Oakdale citizens joined up in two different locations to celebrate this City’s tenth annual Neighborhood Watch National Night Out. Neighbors gathered at Iris Avenue and in Burchell Hill Park.

I would like to personally thank Con Agra, the Grocery Outlet Store (Oakdale) and Steve Teixeira of Tracy PepsiCo and Frito Lay for their generous donations. There were also numerous donations by other local merchants made directly to the neighborhood watch groups for which we are also grateful. In the city alone, donations helped provided 700 hot dogs, Gatorade, water, soda, pizza, chips, and Con Agra canned goods. It appeared that a good time was had by all and, more importantly, gave neighbors a chance to unite against crime.

Sincerely,

Police Chief Lester Jenkins