Glendale’s Night Out seeks to foster positive police-community relations
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More than 60 Glendale police officers and employees on Tuesday made their rounds through the 40 National Night Out events hosted by neighbors citywide to strengthen community relationships with law enforcement.
The gathering at Pacific Park was Glendale Police Chief Robert Castro’s first stop of the evening — and he came prepared with a stack of free Slurpee coupons for 7-Eleven in one hand, and police department stickers in the other.
PHOTOS: Glendale’s National Night Out seeks to foster positive police-community relations
“We don’t just give out tickets, we give out coupons,” he said, as a handful of kids approached seeking a slip.
The event, he added, also fosters positive relationships between police officers and the neighborhoods they serve, a sentiment that was echoed by the event organizer.
“Sometimes kids are afraid of police, instead they should know they are our friends,” said event host Lenore Solis.
Carey McDonald wandered into the event with her son and daughter after their swimming lesson at the park.
“We need more events like this,” she said.
The event featured a bounce house, musical chairs games with police officers and prizes, and a free dinner of hot dogs, chicken skewers and 85 pounds of watermelon.
“I just came here to have some fun,” said 8-year-old Albert Poghosyan.
After hosting the event for seven years, Solis for the first time this year is organizing a Neighborhood Watch group, with the first meeting slated to take place later this month at the park.
“It’s so important that we can all work together,” she said. “Police are getting such a bad rap, but without them, our streets would not be safe.”