Police to kick off National Night Out at new Wilde Lake satellite office

NEWS RELEASE
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For release: July 30, 2009 Contact: Sherry Llewellyn, Elizabeth Schroen
410-313-2236
Police to kick off National Night Out at new Wilde Lake satellite office
More than 25 parties to be held in Howard

Howard County police and residents are joining forces on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in an effort to fight back against crime. National Night Out, a nation-wide event in its 26th year, aims to generate participation in and support for crime prevention.

Howard County police will kick off National Night Out at the grand opening of the new Wilde Lake satellite office in Wilde Lake Village Center at 6 p.m. The event will feature Police Chief William McMahon, County Executive Ken Ulman and Fire Chief William Goddard. Also featured will be the Community Athletic Program trailer, the Command Post, McGruff the crime dog, Ready Eddie the emergency preparedness mascot, music, refreshments, a karate demonstration and a display from the Maryland National Guard, as well as giveaways.

Residents will have the opportunity to meet the new Wilde Lake Community Resource Officer, PFC Anthony Nigro.

While planning for a new satellite office in Owen Brown continues, Owen Brown Community Resource Officer Sarah Miller will join a party planned by the village at Dasher Green pool from 7-9 p.m.

Howard County’s four existing satellite offices in Harper’s Choice, Long Reach, North Laurel and Oakland Mills will host parties beginning at 6 p.m. with music, refreshments, giveaways and more.

In preparing for National Night Out, police have worked to strengthen community spirit by encouraging residents to organize neighborhood block parties. More than 20 communities have planned parties between 6 and 10 p.m., including ice cream socials, pool parties, potlucks and a fun run.

Police are asking residents to turn on outside lights, lock their doors and spend at least one hour in front of their homes — on their porches, balconies, front steps or lawns — or at a neighborhood party to send a message to criminals that communities are banding together to fight crime.

For more information about National Night Out, including a list of party locations, visit www.hcpd.org.