by Brother Love
National Night Out was observed Tuesday, Aug. 4 nationwide with many events covering various communities around the valley.
The event under the direction of the Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization Inc. (NNEO) had coordinated events in two communities in NW–the Melrose Rugby area and Loudon Avenue/Melrose location. On Loudon Ave. and 9th Street, the neighborhood residents enjoyed music, good food, face painting, special resource volunteer tents and was topped off with free ice cream from Freedom First Bank and more.
The spirited event included Roanoke’s “Fearless Firefighters,” who were very helpful and accessible to the community. They displayed the 100 ft. ladder truck which was a special treat for the children.
The Roanoke Police Department was also in attendance. Detective Lovell, (RPD) representative explained “most of our interaction with the community is when we are called for something negative: such as break-ins, domestic calls or other acts of civil disobedience. But an event like this we are called for a positive reason, when things are going right. This National Night Out and our presence here is positive. The community can see we are like everyone else and this is good and positive.” The (RPD) was also recruiting for officers and had the police cadets helping in every aspect of the event, even assisting in neighborhood clean-up.
Roanoke City Sheriff, Tim Allen said “This event that is taking place throughout Roanoke is wonderful, the community coming together with the public safety sector. It is an opportunity for law enforcement to meet with people, get personable and raise awareness for public safety.”
When asked what brought him out personally to the event in one of his many stops around Roanoke, he said “I’m a boots on the ground kind of sheriff, even though I have a great staff dispatched all around the city doing an excellent job, for me there’s nothing I like better then getting around the community myself. Growing up in this particular community (Loudon/Melrose), I know a lot of the people in this area and I wouldn’t want to miss it.”
Sheriff Allen spoke briefly about McGruff the Crime Dog and said “he does a great job for public safety, making children aware, relaxing them and teaching them it’s OK to talk to law enforcement officers. He plays a huge role at these events.” Sheriff Allen was accompanied by his supportive wife Myra Allen.
Michael Cooper, NNEO, Interim Administrator said the event was a success and there are many people to thank at the organization like the executive board and advisory board member Barbara Johnson who is presently acting president.
Special Resource Tent Volunteers included: Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, Blue Ridge Independent Living Center, Carilion and PATH Coalition, Colors VA Magazine, Drop In Center, New Horizons Healthcare, Optima Health, Roanoke City Parks and Recreation, Roanoke City Police Department, Roanoke Valley American Red Cross, Total Action for Progress.
