The Wheat Ridge Police Department would like to thank everyone that joined in making the second annual National Night Out Kick Off Celebration in Hayward Park on Monday, August 4 a success!

The National Night Out celebration, officially held in the community this year on Tuesday, August 5, is a way to promote an evening of community-wide block parties that offer neighbors a chance to become acquainted and unite in crime prevention and drug resistance.The Wheat Ridge Police Department promotes National Night Out as a way to encourage Neighborhood Watch groups and Home Owner Associations in the city to plan for a National Night Out each year in their neighborhoods.

The police department held a community National Night Out event at Hayward Park. An estimated 425 people attended the four-hour kick off celebration this year and enjoyed displays and presentations from SWAT, Crime Scene Investigators, Community Services Officers and Crime prevention. The Traffic Team had a vehicle roll over simulator and a police motorcycle on hand. The Wheat Ridge Fire Department attended with Unit 1/2. Pridemark EMS brought along an ambulance for attendees to climb inside and learn more about emergency medical services.

Live Well Wheat Ridge and Victims Outreach Information (VOI) were also in attendance and handed out information about their programs. The Colorado Technical University was on hand to present their degree programs, including Criminal Justice classes. A representative from Target, the major sponsor of National Night Out, was on hand to pass out free goodies and promote National Night Out.This year's event was partially funded by a grant from Target.

Police Chief Dan Brennan and members of the department's Management Team were on hand to talk to citizens about the police department and new crime prevention programs. "This year's National Night Out event exceeded our expectations. It provided an opportunity for members of the police department and citizens to meet and share ideas on preventing crime and responding to quality of life issues in our neighborhoods. The police department truly appreciates the support we receive from the community and our elected officials on this effort."

For the kids, and some adults, there was face painting, a balloon animal craftsman, and a jumping castle. Everyone that attended had plenty of free pizza, sodas and water, cotton candy and ice cream to enjoy on a beautiful summer evening in the park.

"This years National Night Out Kick-Off celebration was a huge success. The Wheat Ridge Police Department is committed to an ongoing partnership with the community, and National Night Out is one example of this partnership," said event organizer, Officer Kyle Eversole. "We look forward to National Night Out in 2009 and hope that it is even bigger and better then this year's event."