Oak Forest Hosts National Night Out against Crime

OAK FOREST, IL – Join the Oak Forest Crime Prevention Commission, the Oak Forest Police Department and fellow residents in maintaining a safe and vibrant community at the National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 2 at 6 p.m. at the gazebo at City Hall, 15440 S. Central Avenue.

“National Night Out is a community effort to strengthen neighborhood spirit and encourage police-community partnership,” said Oak Forest Crime Prevention Commission Chair Dennis Mitzner. “This year’s event is designed to give residents the tools and confidence they need to prevent crime from occurring in our community. The best part is nearly everything is free!”

The event will feature guided tours of the Oak Forest Police Department; the opportunity to Dunk-a-Cop by donating to Special Olympics; free giveaways and raffles, entertainment and refreshments; and children’s activities, including horse rides, the Bus of Fun, face painting, and jump houses.

“National Night Out is becoming a summer tradition in Oak Forest,” Mitzner added. “It’s so fulfilling to see families and neighbors enjoying time together while learning about their community and getting to know our first responders – the very people who keep us safe and look out for our wellbeing.”

Due to the continued growth of the event, the Crime Prevention Commission is offering free shuttle service from St. Damian Church and the Oak Forest Park District. Pick up and drop off locations will be clearly marked in both lots.

National Night Out is a unique crime and drug prevention event organized by the National Association of Town Watch and the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to the development and promotion of organized, law enforcement-affiliated crime and drug prevention programs. Since 1984, the event has grown to involve more than 38.3 million people from more than 16,728 communities.

For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Commission at 708-687-4050, ext. 1603.