Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Thursday, July 25, the City of Hattiesburg will kick of its 29th year of celebrating National Night Out with a kick-off event which serves as a precursor to a “Lunch & Learn” for senior citizens and neighborhood parties that will happen throughout the city on Tuesday, August 6.
The City’s neighborhood coordinator, Tonya Jordan, works closely with a committee, community representatives and neighborhood associations to make sure the event is not only a collaborative celebration but also that it meets the core mission of National Night Out – to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.
“We look forward to this event every year,” said Hattiesburg Police Chief Anthony Parker. “We cannot do what we do without the engagement of our citizens, and this event is one more way for us to build those relationships to be stronger.”
With community policing as a primary philosophy of the Hattiesburg Police Department and city leadership that strives to promote events that build neighborhood relationships and camaraderie, this year’s event is sure to play a critical role in building pathways of communication between our first responders and neighbors.
“These events are a staple for community development each year, but they also serve as an opportunity to bridge any gap in communication that may exist between our neighbors and our officers,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Our administration has worked diligently to meet our residents where they are, and the National Night Out initiative continues to give us an outlet to do just that.”
This year’s program includes:
National Night Out Kick-Off Event
Thursday, July 25, 6 p.m.
CE Roy Community Center (300 East 5th Street)
Will consist of exhibitors, food, opportunities for fellowship, school supplies, car seat installation demonstrations, tours of emergency vehicles and more. The event will also include a dunking booth, a new addition this year. Participants will have the opportunity to sink the following city officials and leaders:
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- Mayor Toby Barker
- Hattiesburg Fire Department Chief Sherrocko Stewart
- Hattiesburg Police Department (Official) Assistant Chief Peggy Seal
- HPD Major Michael Fleming
- HFD Assistant Chief Danny Wade
- Hattiesburg High School Athletics Coach and Athletic Director Tony Vance
- Councilwoman Mary Dryden
- Councilman Jeffrey George
- and more being scheduled.
NNO Lunch & Learn for Senior Citizens
Tuesday, August 6, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Police & Fire Academy (53 Academy Drive)
National Night Out Neighborhood Parties
Tuesday, August 6, 6 – 8 p.m.
All across the City of Hattiesburg
For 29 of the 36 years that the National Night Out program has existed, the City of Hattiesburg has participated and has consistently been ranked among the top 5 programs in the country for a population of 50,000 – 100,000. This annual program is made possible through many community sponsors and a strong partnership with Forrest County.
For more information regarding the events, visit www.hattiesburgms.com/nno.