This week’s National Night Out at Von King Park was one of the largest ever  in Central Brooklyn, said Dr. Kim Best, President, 79th Precinct Council, the organization that hosted the Tuesday event with the 79th Precinct.

 
More than 1,000 people came out on Tuesday for what Dr. Best described as “one great community-wide family reunion.”   There was a ton of food, an array of music performances and entertainment, information tables and kiosks, games and face painting – something for everyone and all ages.  “At this annual national event – now in its 28th year, neighborhood residents join in solidarity with law enforcement agencies around the country in a show of positive peace-loving force against the negative forces.  The event also increases awareness of the ongoing anti crime efforts.

 
“This event builds relationships together in support of sustaining the community and working towards a crime-free community,” she adds.
The community unity theme is carried throughout the year in various youth programs, including the Explorers, Operation Identification, Bicycle Registration and Home Security assessments under the Crime Prevention programs. But National Night Out is special to the 79th.  Yesterday, Michael J. LePetri, Commanding Officer, of the 79th precinct   told Our Time Press,  “We are here to serve the community – and that’s out number one job.  National Night Out gives the community a chance to see us in another light – our human side:   flipping hamburgers, giving out franks, playing with the children. “It’s phenomenal. It’s giving to the community.”
Among the organizations partnering with the Council and the Precinct were Brooklyn Job Corps, PAL, YMCA, FDNY and dozens more.
In addition to political and community leaders,   Chief Gerald Nelson, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North; Phillip Banks, III, Chief of Community Affairs, NYPD and other  top administrative officials, officers and staff were present to ensure that neighborhood residents had a “phenomenal” night out.
Said one political leader: “Every night is National Night Out.  These streets are our streets.”