by Shawn Nowlin
For the relationship between the community and local law enforcement to be healthy and maintain that trajectory moving forward, the presence of Roanoke Police cannot be felt only when one breaks the law or is in trouble.
Making the neighborhoods a safe, more caring place for all residents to live in is a responsibility that Sheriff Antonio Hash doesn’t take lightly. On Aug. 1, Hash, in addition to some of his subordinates, actively participated in Roanoke’s National Night Out. A national event unlike any other, the yearly gathering was created 40 years ago to increase awareness about police programs in communities, including neighborhood watches, drug prevention, and other anti-crime efforts.
“Without the support from the community, my team and I would be highly ineffective,” Hash said. “We have a job to do every single day and we do it to the best of our abilities. This year’s Roanoke National Night Out was a massive success. A true win-win for everyone involved.”
Attendees who gathered at the Goodwill Industries of the Valley parking lot on Melrose Avenue took advantage of the food trucks, library resources, live music, and more. Games between attendees and firefighters were also played.
Explained Ross Campbell, Roanoke’s Public Works Director, “There are about 250 people on my staff. They are diverse and take tremendous pride in the community that they serve. It was great to see so many residents come out and engage with the different city services.”
Eleven other sites held similar events in the area, including the Vinton War Memorial, the Patio at Morningside Manor, and Hill Street Baptist Church.
Last week’s event came just days after the city experienced four fatal shootings. Many attendees like William Fleming High administrator Tami Amos expressed their concerns about the recent gun violence to Mayor Sherman Lea and other city officials. Interim Roanoke Police Chief Jerry Stokes and Stephen Niamki, President of the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum, were also present to answer questions and provide assistance.
Kelvin Wright doesn’t have any kids but said if he did, they would be present for events like this. “You can tell when adults are forced to do something versus genuinely being interested in helping the community become a better place for all,” he said before adding, “As a child, I remember the powerful conversations that I had with my parents about police officers. I still believe that the overwhelming percentage of them are worthy of the badge that they wear.”
