National Night Out Connects Oak Forest Rescue Workers & Community

(Above) Emmett and Emma Reid enjoying the festivities.

Hundreds of Oak Forest residents turned out for the 22nd annual Oak Forest Night Out held on August 7th, 2018. This event, hosted by the Oak Forest Crime Prevention Commission, has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1996. National Night Out is a community effort to strengthen neighborhood spirit and encourage police-community partnership and Oak Forest did not disappoint with a host of activities, raffles and giveaways to foster a spirit of fellowship, especially for the youngest Oak Foresters.

You really couldn't walk around the Oak Forest Campus without feeling a part of a community. Mayor Kuspa and many of our Aldermen were there, shaking hands and chit chatting with residents while children danced in front of the gazebo. Police and fire fighters greeted citizens and were available to answer questions. Tours of both the fire and police stations were given to all who were curious to see inside the buildings. It is important for citizens, especially our youth, to see these rescue workers, in a social environment so they feel safe going to them in emergencies.

Research shows that a child that trusts the uniform of police and fire fighters will seek help in emergency situation which ends up being critical in many rescues. This is one of the main goals of the National Night Out and tonight the goal was achieved with children and adults alike, talking and connecting with these important members of our community. A community connected to their rescue workers is, bottom line, a safer community.

Kids were definitely having a ball as they had their choice between 2 bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, face painting, or a chance to ride a horse. Parents milled around talking with neighbors while sampling food from local restaurants. There was a nice display of prizes that could be won from a lucky raffle ticket.

Dennis Mitzner, chairman of the commission, was very happy with the turn out of this fun event. He credited this year's increased attendance and activities on the hard work of Lora Korgis and Rhonda Ceska, both members of the commission. "Lora and Rhonda worked tirelessly the past few months to bring a great night to the residents of Oak Forest," he said when asked about the noticeable growth of the event.

The Oak Forest Crime Prevention Commission meets every month at the City Hall. They also run the Neighborhood Watch Program and the very popular Oak Forest Community and Neighborhood Watch Facebook Group. This is a great place to keep up on community safety concerns and connect with fellow Oak Foresters. The most important goal of the group, is keeping our community safe.

Keeping our community safe, is the real goal.