The Flossmoor Police Department participated in the annual National Night Out (NNO) at the village hall on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
(Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
The evening brought together many community members for an evening filled with friendly conversation, smiles, burgers, hotdogs, snow cones and games, providing a delightful and entertaining experience for all.
The NNO’s annual community-building event is an opportunity for Flossmoor and other communities to foster police-community partnerships and neighborhood fellowship. This year, as always, Flossmoor’s NNO event provided a chance for community members to socialize with local police officers and gain insight into their operations.
Officer David Levy of the Flossmoor Police Department took a moment to acknowledge the crucial role of the community in making events like NNO possible.
“The support and presence of the community make events like NNO even more important,” he said. “They allow us, as officers, to connect with the community in a way that humanizes us.”
National Night Out. (Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
Amid the fun of snow cones and face paintings, the NNO attendees had the chance to interact with the village’s Public Works Department and Fire Department.
The celebration took an unexpected turn with a delightful surprise — a public singing of “Happy Birthday” for Levy, who turned 40. This impromptu celebration was heartwarming, showcasing the community’s spirit in a unique and entertaining way.
Mayor Michelle Nelson’s participation in the water balloon toss with locals added to the unexpected fun.
Grandparent Laquisha Fowlkes, a Flossmoor resident, was seen with her grandchildren 10-year-old Africa and 11-year-old Aiden Jackson, climbing in and exploring the village Public Works dump/plow truck. Thrilled to get a chance to play in the Bounce House, Africa Jackson said, “This is so fun; I also got to see inside a fire truck.”
Community Relations Commission Chairwoman Phillippa
Leon-Thompson with freebies for guests that were
donated by Meijers.
(Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
Flossmoor’s Water Technician/Operator of 20 years A.J. Hinton expressed his deep appreciation, saying, “This is one my favorite events; it brings the community together, we all work together, and having locals see the ins and outs of our positions.”
Flossmoor Fire Chief Robert Kopec was among many village workers who participated in the event and chatted with locals.
“Events like NNO help showcase the community and staff of the work that goes into our roles,” he said. “It offers a chance for us and locals to meet and greet, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Illinois State Trooper Genelle Jones was smiling from ear to ear at her station and was seen discussing the importance of seatbelt safety during a vehicle roll-over demonstration.
“We’re here to get to know one another, of course, but also about seatbelt safety,” Jones said. “I want to continue promoting seat belt safety, one of the simplest things to implement and to encourage for everyone.
demonstrate the safety of seatbelts. (Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
“I talk to anybody, anywhere I can spread a safety message on behalf of the Illinois State Police. I love doing this and meeting friendly faces; I love communities who want to see and learn about those serving them.”
H-F National Honor Society junior member Kyra Levi volunteered with her NHS peers in the evening to participate in their face-painting skills for kids.
“This is a great community participation event, we’re meeting new faces in our community, as well as supporting our community members like the Police Department and Fire Department,” Levi added, “It’s crucial to know who’s in your community and to support those who protect us.”
Guests had the opportunity to get their faces painted, explore and touch trucks, and learn about a variety of public safety equipment provided by the Flossmoor Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works. Additionally, guests received back-to-school gear for the upcoming school year, donated by Meijers.
Levy shared the many ways to instill comfort between the men and women in blue and locals,
“There are several ways for residents and village workers to continually participate and learn through programs like our upcoming citizen police academy program that restarts Aug. 28 until the end of October.”
The academy offers a unique opportunity for citizens to gain a deeper understanding of police operations, learn about the challenges officers face, and participate in hands-on activities in a compressed workshop (weekly) to inform and educate citizens. The program will cover topics such as patrol procedures, investigations, and community policing strategies.
Levy said, “It’s a valuable and key building opportunity for us as a community, and in turn, it will establish trust.”
