It was an evening of community interaction and celebration Tuesday as National Night Out was celebrated across the city of Folsom as members of the community came together in their respective neighborhoods with first responders.
Celebrating its 40th year, National Night Out is a nationwide annual campaign that was created as an attempt to deter crime by bringing members of the community together. Each year, the event welcomes positive interactions between members police and fire personnel, city government leaders and the community at large.
Throughout the city of Folsom, residents gathered in block party fashion, some in large groups, some smaller, all enjoying plenty of pot-luck style foods, drinks and conversations amongst one another. The event was welcomed by all ages, at many of the sites across the city there was a variety of activities and features for youngsters, from face painting to bounce houses and everything in between.
At some locations treats, including ice cream, snow cones and even homemade cotton candy was being handed out and consumes by plenty of smiling sticky faces.
“We look forward to National Night Out each year,” said Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman, who was amongst the many officers of his department that were making the rounds to various neighborhood gatherings. “It’s a fun way to meet your neighbors while spending some time with Folsom’s police and fire staff.”
Officers from Hillman’s force were busy engaging in conversation with many youngers at the various stops, handing out souvenir badges and helping them check out police cruisers and motorcycles that were parked and displayed while they made their visits.
Amidst the sea of blue Tuesday night there was also a sea of red as the Folsom Fire Department made the rounds as well. Various fire engines, medic units and other apparatus trekked through the city along with police. The teams consisted of five different groups that made their way to 15 different registered gatherings throughout the evening on both the south and north sides of Highway 50.
“It promotes police-community partnerships in neighborhoods across the City of Folsom,” said Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. “The event focuses on the community and improving area relationships to make our neighborhoods safer. The Fire Department joins our Folsom Police Department partners in celebrating public safety within the community.”
Cusano was traveling the different sites along with his two French Bulldogs, Georgie and Louie. The two adorable pups were a hit with all ages, as was Blitz, the Folsom Fire Department’s official therapy dog that was visiting various sites along with members of the organization that furnished him to the department last year, Hearts4Heroes USA.
Among the registered events Tuesday night more than 900 residents participated in the various events. This tally doesn’t include the many unregistered events that take place on this night each year among neighbors. One of the largest events was on Heron Drive in Folsom Ranch where a gathering organized by resident Rob Plannette welcomed over 150 guests throughout the evening.
Resident Jackie Temple led another large gathering on Pine View Drive on the north side of the city where some 80 folks attended and enjoyed dining in the street, complete with tables and all the amenities.
