Roscoe Police Department, Roscoe Lions Club host National Night Out

By Jean Seegers

REPORTER

The campus at Life Church, 5910 Elevator Road in Roscoe was the setting for the 2016 National Night Out, on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The movement began in 1984. The purpose was to bring law enforcement personnel and community members together for an evening of fun and positive interaction.

National Night Out began in 1984, and has steadily spread throughout the United States. The event is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of August.

Roscoe Police Department and neighboring villages have been participating in the program for several years. This year, Roscoe Lions Club partnered with the police department.

The Lions Club introduced something new this year: Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Lion’s Clubs throughout the country raise money and promote the program. Several trainers and their furry partners were on hand to meet and greet families during National Night Out.Trainer Harold Owens said the dogs are in the socializing phase of training and are friendly and approachable.

“Once they have gone on to more advanced training they become “working” dogs.”

National Night Out is a free community event featured games, a car show, music from Joe Locke’s Hits DJ Service, a chance to sit in the police cars and fire trucks, hot dogs and refreshments,  and on-going drawings for bicycles, back packs, toys and coupons donated by community individuals and businesses.

Best of all, neighbors met neighbors, welcomed new families to the community and began a positive dialog with local law enforcement personnel.