Local police and fire departments get ready for National Night Out

OMAHA, Neb. —

Omaha groups say strong cities are built on stronger neighborhoods; that’s why so many local agencies and groups are partnering across the metro to host National Night Out.

For 43 years, community members across the nation have come together to build relationships with their local police and first responders.

According to the National Night Out website, 38 million people and 17 thousand communities participated in the event.

In Nebraska, more than 30 cities plan to participate.

In Iowa, nearly 50 cities will host National Night Out events.

“Kids love to get a tour of the police car,” OPD Sgt. Devin Washington said. “You know, hit the siren, ‘Wah, wah.’ So, if you hear some sirens tomorrow night, just know it’s probably just some kids checking out one of our police cars.”

The Omaha police and fire departments are getting ready to connect with the community.

Omaha Police Department – National Night Out visits

• Bemis Park Neighborhood Association — 5:00-8:00 p.m.
• Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association — 5:00-8:00 p.m.
• Lewis and Clark North Neighborhood — 7:00-10:00 p.m.
• 6400 Cuming Street block — 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Benson Neighborhood Association — 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Hillcrest Drive Neighborhood Watch — 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• N. 75th Ave. Neighborhood Watch — 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Peony Park Neighborhood Association — 6:15-7:30 p.m.
• Springfield Drive — 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Meadowbrook Neighborhood Watch — 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Bensonhurst — 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• PACE — 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Field Club Homeowners League — 4:30-6:00 p.m.
• Pierce Point Homeowner Association — 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Beals Neighborhood Association — 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association — 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Lamont Street — 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• Armbrust Acres HOA — 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Westinghouse Hills III — 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Westwood Heights Neighborhood Association — 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Timbercreek Apartments — 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Quail Hollow Homeowners Association — 5:00-9:00 p.m.

“Who doesn’t love a fire truck?” OFD Battalion Chief Kurt Theiler said. “It’s a nice opportunity to meet those people, those kids, and let them see that we’re just normal human beings just like they are.”

Kids Can Community Center’s CEO Robert Patterson said they plan to take part as well.

“A strong city is made up of stronger neighborhoods, and this is what this night is all about,” Patterson said.

Theiler said if there are no emergency calls, there will be 18 to 19 firetruck rigs scattered throughout the community.

“They’ll have the opportunity to just get a nice little walk-through, see all the equipment that we have,” Theiler said, adding firefighters will be ready to answer any questions or to address misconceptions about the job.

“When the bell hits, when that emergency call comes out, we don’t stop; we run, and away we go,” he said.

Washington said this event is the best part of the job.

“We want to make sure that we establish a good relationship and that you feel like you can trust us, right?” he said.

Patterson said Kids Can’s event will feature several booths, “to be able to share what they do and have those programs, some services that our parents may not know about.”

They’ll have STEM-related games and more for kids to enjoy, as well as a free literacy bag.

“It’s a little bit of back-to-school supplies, but we’re also including books in there, because literacy is important to every child, no matter their age,” Patterson said. “It’s important to us as a community. We really need to raise those reading levels and all of our schools and then for all of our kiddos.”

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