Community participates in Downey’s first National Night Out

Photo Gallery of Downey’s first National Night Out event

Helmet giveaway and free child fingerprinting services were among the most popular booths at Downey’s first National Night Out event in Downey, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the city’s civic center.

Downey partnered with the city’s police department to host the city’s first National Night Out event. Downey’s community, government and safety organizations participated and promoted community awareness of programs, service groups, health and safety organizations and healthy living.

Residents were able to walk around the civic center and receive information about crime and emergency preparedness, resources on health and wellness and city government and programs.

One of the most popular parts of the night was the Bicycle Safety workshop and giveaways booth. Downey Bicycle Coalition in partnership with the Downey Police department’s bicycle team taught children bicycle and safety skills. Children rode bikes around the demonstration area and had one on one instruction on the proper ways to ride a bike and safely.

Local service group, Downey Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Program gave away new helmets and bicycle safety gear.

Mayor Mario Guerra gave residents a tour through city hall and public officials’ offices. Residents were able to ask Guerra questions about the city, projects and activities in the city. Guerra answered questions candidly with the group.

Parents were able to have their children fingerprinted and given a child I.D. card for free. Parents lined up and waited for up to 30 minutes to have fingerprints and photo taken for their child.

According to the National Night Out, “National Night Out in 2012 involved 37.5 million people in 15,704 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2013, the thirtieth anniversary, is expected to be the largest ever.”

National Night Out is a yearlong community building campaign that is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back according to National Night Out website.

The National Night Out events is hosted at cities across the United States on the first Tuesday of August each year.

Downey Police and Fire departments were passing out safety information and talking with residents. Downey Fire brought the city’s hook and ladder truck out to show children and residents the fire truck and explore equipment used to fight fires.

The city’s parks and recreation department had face painting and craft activities for children to create and take home.

The evening included free hotdogs, drinks and popcorn for residents.

The event was held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the city’s civic center located at 11111 Brookshire Ave.