More than 2,000 people were expected to attend this year’s National Night Out on Thursday, Aug. 7, in downtown Barrington.
Attendees braved sunny weather with temperatures at nearly 90 degrees. The free event took place again this year in the historic business district at Cook Street and Station Street.
A highlight of the evening was when a police helicopter flew low above the event premises. One could see a person waving from the helicopter to patrons below.
Folks standing on the west event side of Station Street experienced what some witnesses dubbed a wind tunnel. Social media posts show good sports scrambling as the helicopter passes with sponsor tents lifting from their legs.
“Everything’s flying everywhere,” said a laughing attendee who could be heard on a posted social media video of the helicopter pass.
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“I’m not sure if that was a good call,” the person added. A nearby spectator used a “Holy s…” curse phrase.
Grounded event amenities included inflatable jump-on attractions and the return of the popular Barrington Park District Human Fruit Machine, a play on a slot machine.
“It’s great to have everyone come out here,” said patron Garrett Young of Barrington, who attended with spouse Trinh Young and their children Calvin, 3, and Aria, 4 months.
“It’s hot but it’s manageable,” Trinh Young said about the weather.
This was the first on-the-job National Night Out event for new Barrington Chief of Police Dave Daigle, who was appointed and started the position in Barrington early last September.
“It’s been fantastic,” Daigle said of the new post.
Daigle came from Palatine law enforcement, which did not produce a National Night Out in Palatine. Not all police departments across the United States host National Night Out events and focus on other community service initiatives.
“It’s important to engage with the community because that’s how you build trust,” Daigle said. “Trust is the most important thing.
“It starts at one action at a time, one conversation at a time,” Daigle added.
Complimentary food for all ages included unlimited red, white and blue popsicles. For supper, last year, the Barrington Lions Club grilled about 1,500 hot dogs.
This year, the RRT (Rapid Relief Team) brought approximately 2,000 hamburgers to grill. The burger meal boxes, each box personally handed to diners, included toppings such as sautéed onions on the side.
The RRT is comprised of volunteers as a global organization. Recent local RRT service included meal response for the Los Angeles, California, wildfires and also in Highland Park after the July 4, 2022, parade mass shooting.
“We’re doing this on behalf of the (Barrington) police department,” said Pete Werle of Inverness, RRT local team leader.
“Part of our role in RRT is to support emergency services and first responders.”
Another choice for free dining included sub sandwich meals via House of Hope, Project Hope by Saint Anne Catholic Community of Barrington. The ministry has a House of Hope Resale store in Lake Zurich. One of the ministry’s missions is to assist the homeless.
“There are more and more people in need,” said Sue Olafson, director of hope ministries for Saint Anne Catholic Community.
“We want to extend our reach to the community so they understand we’re here.”
Mike Nardulli, a Wauconda Police K-9 officer and handler of K-9 Skye, a 3-year-old female German shepherd, demonstrated K-9 crime response in front of a large audience.
“She’s the only working female police K-9 in the (Lake County environs) area,” Nardulli said before the demonstration.
“It’s the best part of law enforcement, having a K-9.
“They do building searches, find missing kids…narcotics…they’re truly incredible partners to have,” Nardulli said.
Demonstration collaborator A.J. Callahan, a Lake County resident and handler with TOPS Kennel of Grayslake, acted as a criminal suspect to show how K-9 Skye can respond effectively and appropriately.
Callahan said Lake County area police departments that have K-9 dogs vetted through TOPS are “very fortunate” to have “a bunch of great canines” in law enforcement.
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“I absolutely love what I do,” Callahan added.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.