Lake County Gazette

Each August, more than 175 Illinois communities participate in National Night Out, a program initiated in 1984 to connect Neighborhood Watch and law enforcement organizations with local residents. On this night, neighborhoods host various community events, including block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, and visits from emergency personnel. The initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities.

This year, several House Republicans joined their communities at National Night Out events.

Rep. Dan Ugaste attended an event hosted by the Village of South Elgin and the South Elgin Police Department featuring family-friendly activities, food trucks, and other entertainment.

“The highlight was the community engagement and being able to talk to numerous constituents and their families,” Ugaste said. “The village and police department did a great job bringing the community together.”

Rep. Dennis Tipsword, a chief deputy at the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, attended a National Night Out event in El Paso. The evening featured a celebration of community partnerships with all first responders. El Paso Police Chief Joe Montemurro hosted the event, which included a hot dog eating contest, music, bounce houses, face-painting for kids, equipment demonstrations, and more.

“Keeping our neighborhoods safe is not only a law enforcement effort,” Tipsword said. “It requires the whole community.”

Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro attended events in Woodale and Itasca. Woodale’s National Night Out event featured police and fire vehicles, games, free ice cream, a DJ, bingo, bookmobile, moon jump and more. In Itasca, families enjoyed police department tours, Touch-a-Truck raffles and face painting. Sanalitro joined local police, fire chiefs, mayors and other elected officials engaging with the community.

“The relationships built at National Night Out events go long way in improving safety of residents,” Sanalitro said. “It helps improve understanding.”

In Sycamore, Rep. Jeff Keicher attended a National Night Out event hosted by Hy-Vee grocery store.

"Coming together for National Night Out is an excellent opportunity to build stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement,” Ugaste said. “We must work together to create safer and more vibrant neighborhoods.”