The Orland Park community spent the night together Tuesday as part of the National Night Out Against Crime event.
The evening event included community groups such as Scouts and Cub Scouts, local restaurants such as Fogo de Chão, and a performance from the Carl Sandburg High School marching band.
But the real stars of the evening were the law enforcement agencies. The FBI, the Secret Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration — which brought a helicopter — set up tents in the Village Center along with local law enforcement representatives who brought along police vehicles for kids — and a few adults — to see up close.
It was also an opportunity for younger kids to mingle with each other, play games and learn about community resources. The big draw was the emergency vehicles.
“I liked seeing the fire truck and the police car,” explained Gabriel Brooking, one of the many young visitors Tuesday. Brooks said it was his favorite part of the evening, after he lifted weights with Army guys.
The police had a variety of vehicles out, including a mobile command center, a patrol unit, a vehicle with an autism awareness wrap and a South Suburban Emergency Response Team vehicle. One car, which seemed to draw more adults than kids, was a rebuilt 1963 Ford Cruiser, a “Mayberry” similar to one used on “The Andy Griffith Show.”
That car was the project of former Orland Park police Officer Michael Dalaly and his friend Bill Duggan.
“My best friends found this in Chicago and he and I rebuilt it,” Dalaly explained. He said it was a labor of love and these days it’s a familiar presence at police events.
Deputy Chief Larry Rafferty said allowing residents to get up close to the vehicles is a nice way to show police as more than faceless law enforcement. They attract attention on the road, but it’s not often people can walk right up for a closer view.
“It’s great,” Rafferty said. “You get to meet so many folks, you meet the kids and they get to look inside.”
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Some folks come for the chance to see the first responders.
“I’m a community member and I have three children, so they have to know what safety is,” said resident Alyse Zavala.
The community has been hosting a National Night out event for years and Rafferty said he’s been coming to them for years. Whether it’s the weather or the community organizations or the games or the chance to get up close and personal with police and fire equipment — the crowds came in droves to Orland Park this year.
“We’ve got a great turnout,” he said.
Maddie Kasmer, a Scout with Troop 318, agreed. She was with her troop, eager to meet and greet visitors and explain the value of Scouting to anyone interested. Scouting America — formerly the Boy Scouts of America — welcomes boys and girls now, and Kasmer said it’s a great way to get out and see nature and do all kinds of things — even with a broken arm.
“It was my first time at camp and I had my arm broken, so I couldn’t do everything,” she explained. “But they have rifle shooting and you can get a kayak.”
In total, she earned two merit badges and got to work on six. In her three years of Scouts, she said she’s had a great time and highly recommends it.
“It’s a great thing,” she said. “I don’t regret any of my Scouting experience.”
As Kasmer and her troop stood by their tent, farther along down the long line of tents, children lined up for bounce races. The kids sat on inflatable toys and hopped once around a goal and returned — about a two-minute race —and everyone won a little something. Anna Laciak said she comes every year for the fun. It’s about as perfect of a small-town family fun event geared toward the younger set she knows.
“We feel free and safe here,” she said. Her young son, Anthony, just returned from the bounce races about 30 feet away. He ran up, plastic toy in hand. “It’s a family event. It’s not full of teenagers who’ll mess it up.”
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.