Dupage Policy Journal

At its Feb. 21 meeting, the Bartlett Village Board of Trustees commemorated multiple positive events in the community.

During the meeting, the board had Bartlett's crime prevention team present the National Night Out (NNO) Award, named after an organization aimed at restoring and enhancing the relationship between police and their community through fun events and campaigns. On the first Tuesday in August, many communities, including Bartlett, celebrate the organization and the idea behind it.

During the board meeting, Sgt. Greg Milos of the Bartlett Police Department announced that Bartlett had won first place out of the 22 cities in the United States competing during the event. The 2022 celebration was a massive success and led to their second first-place win in a row, which had never happened before in NNO history.

"The community showed up in record numbers to all of our National Night Out events, including our 'Dog Walker Watch Summer Social', the 'Touch A Truck and Car Seat' event, our 'Family Fun Night', the 'Skate Park Bash', and pool party," Milos said in the meeting. "Over 18 different block parties and family golf events. And of course, the grand finale, our picnic in the park. The Bartlett Police Department would like to thank the Village Board of Trustees and Mayor [Kevin] Wallace for your continued support and generosity in organizing this successful event that impacts our community on such an elite level."

The Village was awarded a large trophy to commemorate their success with NNO, with approximately 4,000 people estimated to have attended many of the events. The board declared their satisfaction with the organization's success.

Milos also announced that the 30th annual NNO celebration will be held in the summer. He crediting Bartlett's police officers for their successful crime prevention unit as the team behind the events and their care and support for each Bartlett family. The 30th NNO celebration will begin on July 15, with the finale picnic held on Aug. 1. Bartlett is hoping for an even larger turnout in the summer to help them win first place for the third year straight.

Additionally, the board recognized local Girl Scouts for their achievements. Middle school girls who won Silver Awards had spent more than 50 hours serving their community through projects with animal shelters and foster homes. Younger Girl Scouts who earned Bronze Awards had spent approximately 20 hours on community service by operating supply drives for elementary school students.