Dupage Policy Journal

Senator Seth Lewis and State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro took part in National Night Out events in Itasca, Bloomingdale and Carol Stream on August 1 and 2. National Night Out events brings community members and law enforcement personnel together in a social type setting.

"Events like these that connect residents with their local police officers in low-key, non-emergency settings build important relationships, and I enjoyed seeing so many people, especially kids, forming relationships with local law enforcement," said Senator Lewis.

"State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro and I had a great time at National Night Out events this week in Itasca, Illinois, Bloomingdale, Illinois, and Carol Stream, Illinois." 

National Night Out is a community outreach and community-building campaign to improve relationships between community members and police officers in a low-stress situation. 

The National Night Out campaign began in 1984, when an established network of law enforcement groups, neighborhood watch organizations and community groups came together. According to the National Night Out website, the first event, in August 1984 happened in 400 communities across 23 states, with 2.5 million individuals involved.

A variety of activities were part of Itasca’s National Night Out on Aug. 1, at the Itasca Police Department according to Illinois Updates. There were K-9 dogs on site, a pony and the Itasca Water Park was open, with free admission. There were also opportunities for fingerprinting, and kids could take part in “touch a truck” activities, too.

In Bloomingdale, the event was also on Aug. 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Circle Park and Oasis Water Park, according to the Bloomingdale Park District. There was an open swim, games, prizes, music and more there. 

The Bloomingdale Park District turtle mascot was there for individuals to meet. There was a Wiffleball Classic with kids in first through fourth grades playing against first responders, as well as a hero versus half pints event for youths in grades 5-9 versus the local police. The Oasis Water Park was open between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The Carol Stream event was held at the Carol Stream Town Center from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants were able to enjoy food, music and a variety of activities, according to the Carol Stream website.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro shared her own Facebook post about their adventures. In her post, she said: “Getting to participate in events with local police officers in family-oriented, fun, and non-emergency settings like this creates a sense of trust and respect. I will always support our hard-working law enforcement community who want nothing more than to keep our neighborhoods and communities SAFE!”