GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Communities across the country held backyard cookouts or neighborhood block parties to celebrate the annual National Night Out event on the first Tuesday of August.
It raises awareness about public safety and awareness about crime-prevention programs.
Night Out began in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew to become a tradition across the country, starting in 1984. Originally, neighbors simply turned on their porch lights or sat in front of their homes. That is still done, but eventually block parties and backyard barbecues became part of the tradition, and even live entertainment in some neighborhoods. Nowadays, about 40-million residents participate nationwide, according to national law enforcement.
The City of Grand Rapids held several neighborhood events Tuesday. And in southern Kent County, the SouthKent Night Out has become of the region's largest spectacles. Hundreds of people flock to the parking lots outside South Christian High School, 7979 Kalamazoo Ave. SE., to see the many public safety vehicles, games, food and other activities that make it special.
“(Night Out) is fantastic. I love to see the community out here having a great time. I’m glad the weather participated and kind of dried up at the last minutes. It’s been great,” he said.
Area fire departments such as Dutton and Cutlerville had their trucks on display and firefighters greeting the public. And the Sheriff’s Office had various vehicles, information booths and equipment set up. Deputy Dillon Ruthven’s table was one of the more popular ones with spectators. He had different pieces of electronic equipment on display, including drones from the KCSO Technical Services Unit.
“This is a DJI 300,” he said, pointing to a commercial-grade drone on the table in front of him. “We use this for multiple things, including searching for missing persons and suspects. It can fly for about 30 minutes and at a height of 400 feet out to several miles.”
The Michigan State Police and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport also had rescue or other vehicles on display at South Kent Night Out.
The Kent District Library and the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office had representatives on hand, including Prosecuting Attorney Chris Becker.
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