Last year’s National Night Out event in Barrington drew approximately 2,000. For this year, Barrington Chief of Police David Daigle hoped for “even more this year.”
That was quite possibly the case with banner attendance at the Thursday, Aug. 6 free National Night Out event based on visible turnout. Sunny evening weather in the upper 70-degree range likely helped too.
Midways were bustling with people in the historic business district along Cook Street and Station Street.
“National Night Out is one of my favorite events because it brings our community together in a really meaningful way,” Daigle added. “It gives neighbors, families, and officers a chance to connect, talk and build trust in a relaxed setting.
“When people know each other and feel comfortable working together, our neighborhoods become safer and stronger,” Daigle said. “That’s what National Night Out is all about, partnership and community.”
According to https://natw.org/, National Night Out (NNO) is “a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.” Many NNO events around the country take place on a Tuesday, but not always, depending on community needs.
“With school starting on Aug. 18, I want to wish all our students, teachers, and staff a safe and successful year,” Daigle said. “As routines pick up again, I’m asking drivers to slow down in school zones, watch for kids at crosswalks and bus stops, and stay distraction‑free behind the wheel.
“Parents can help by reviewing safe walking, biking and driving habits with their children.
“I also want to remind everyone to be extra cautious around railroad crossings,” Daigle said. “Trains are quieter and faster than people expect and tracks are never a safe place to walk or take shortcuts.
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“Please obey the signals and never try to beat a train,” Daigle added.
An evening highlight was Daigle standing in the middle of the intersection of Cook and Station streets surrounded by children. There, Daigle welcomed kids to wear free blue capes that read, “Barrington Police Superhero.” Daigle asked the designated superheroes to be compassionate, supportive individuals.
“To all our students,” Daigle indicated, “work hard, be kind, make good decisions and look out for one another.
“We’re proud of you,” Daigle said, “and we’re committed to making this a safe and positive school year for everyone.”
Another highlight of the evening was the opportunity to look up at golden-hour skies as a Cook County Sheriff’s helicopter flew over the event premises.
Families also gathered around the same Cook and Station street intersection to experience a police K9 dog demonstration, this year featuring Mundelein Police.
K9 Ranger, 6, a male German shepherd handled by Mundelein Police Officer Kevin Freese.
The pretend suspect for the demonstration wore a TOPS Kennels of Grayslake hat. The storied TOPS Kennels professionals train many of the region’s K9 police dogs.
Freese explained why it is important to introduce K9 dogs to the public.
“It showcases and highlights all the work we do, what the trainers do for us, lets the community see what the police dogs are out doing and why we do it, it’s always good to show that,” Freese said, adding K9 demonstrations also garner, “ a lot of support in what we do.
“I also just like showing my dog off,” Ranger’s handler said with a smile.
Another dog, plush pup Sparky the Dalmatian mascot, visited with patrons and posed for photos.
Many area police departments were represented at the event. Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg was seen greeting attendees at this National Night Out.
“I think it’s a great event for the community to interact with all these great law enforcement and first responders,” Idleburg said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to talk to the children and families.”
The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with people seen holding their hands over their hearts for the national anthem.
“Best country in the world, love it to death,” said cyclist Bryan Vrablik of Barrington who paused for the national anthem tradition.
“Best country in the history of the world too so we’ve got it going on, I love the country, everything about it, freedom.”
Vrablik added.
There were ample inflatable attractions plus challenge games. Patrons could visit community tables for giveaways including pizza slices.
There was a deep line to access meals provided courtesy of the RRT (Rapid Relief Team www.rapidreliefteam.org).
Barrington resident and parent Miriam Watkins said about Barrington’s National Night Out, “It’s amazing; we’ve been here for 10 years, and we come everywhere and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year.”
To event organizers, “Great job and keep up the great work,” Watkins added.
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To first responders, “They’re amazing and do a great job,” Watkins said.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.