Bronxites Take Back the Night on National Night Out Against Crime

Bronxites and police gathered on August 5th in over a dozen locations across the Bronx to celebrate the 31st annual National Night Out Against Crime.

More than a dozen police precincts and community organizations put together events throughout the borough, all with the same message: we care about our community and will not tolerate crime. “Year after year, we all come together as a community. This is our opportunity to take our parks and communities back. We all stand arm in arm to make sure our communities remain a safe place for our children and senior citizens.” said Senator Jeff Klein.

Left to right: Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx District Attorney Robery Johnson, Board President of 49th Commnity Council Joe Thompson, Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman James Vacca, and 49th Precinct Captain Timothy McCormack

Left to right: Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx District Attorney Robery Johnson, Board President of 49th Commnity Council Joe Thompson, Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman James Vacca, and 49th Precinct Captain Timothy McCormack c/o Kathleen Canzoniero

Started in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is meant to bring community and police together in a show of solidarity. A big theme of the night is to increase community awareness of police programs especially those dealing in anti-crime or community specific issues.

The 49th precinct held their event at Pelham Parkway North on Wallace Avenue with a very festive environment. Along with handing out crime prevention information, there was music from Just Nuts Music Band and refreshments for everyone to enjoy. A bouncy castle and climbing wall for children added to the family-friendly vibe.

Co-op City 45th Precinct c/o Annie Boller

Co-op City 45th Precinct c/o Annie Boller

Neighboring precincts, the 43rd and 45th organized similar attractions. The 45th precinct held their event at 140 Benchley Place in Co-op City with barbeques fired up and a showing of Iron Man 3 later in the evening. At Hugh Grant Circle,  43rd precinct kids got to enjoy pony rides, food, and more bouncy castles (unfortunately, no adults were allowed to jump in the bouncy castles). At East 169th, the 44th precinct had the special treat of seeing BombaYo perform.

BombaYo

BombaYo c/o Nilka Martell

The awesome NYC Top Dog at Hugh Grant Circle c/o Nilka Martell

The awesome NYC Top Dog at Hugh Grant Circle c/o Nilka Martell

District representatives were also in attendance, addressing and interacting with the community.

Speaker of the House Melissa Mark-Viverito

Speaker of the House Melissa Mark-Viverito c/o Nilka Martell

Bronx Chronicle journalists Annie Boller, Nilka Martell,  and Kathleen Canzoniero were on the ground reporting and taking pictures at the different National Night Out events.

Check out our gallery of the festivities!

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