Legislator Solages hosts National Night Out to promote crime prevention, safety

Posted

More than 300 people showed up for National Night Out at the Green Acres Mall on Aug. 5, an event hosted by Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages to promote local law enforcement and safety organizations.

Solages said he was pleased with the turnout, which he said was held “to appreciate and improve upon our relationship with local law enforcement.” He emphasized the importance of such outreach events.

“Nassau County has enjoyed great, low crime statistics, but we can not take that for granted. We really have to water that plant and cultivate our relationship with those organizations,” he said.

National Night Out is an annual event held in more than 11,000 communities nationwide to increase awareness of crime, gang activity and violence. Representatives from local law enforcement agencies, charitable organizations and businesses were on hand to speak with attendees about services available in their communities. There was a free barbecue and live entertainment from local musicians.

Meadowmere Fire Chief Kevin Carrero manned a food station at the event.

“After the hurricane we just want to show everyone that we’re here for the community,” he said. “Events like these are great for everyone to get to know the services that are out there, from law enforcement to alarm companies.”

Deputy Investigator Robert Psoinas, one of the officers representing the Nassau County Police Department, said opportunities to interact with and educate the community are a perk of the job.

“There’s nothing more important than to let the community know that we’re here for them,” Psoinas said.

Solanges noted other community organizations and businesses that were present, citing their opportunities for young people to be employed or otherwise involved as a major factor in deterring bad behavior.

“If you give a young person a positive experience or something constructive to do, they’re not going to turn to something negative. My staff and I are very eager to get those young people involved in their community in a positive way,” Solanges said.

Sharmine Butler attended National Night Out with her children after learning of it on a local blog.

“These events are great because they bring the community together. I’m so glad to see everyone familiarize themselves with organizations and business that are local to them,” she said.