The City of Berwyn has been selected by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) as a National Award Winner for its outstanding participation in the 26th Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime, drug, and violence prevention program on Aug. 4, 2009.
Berwyn finished twelfth in the nation in its population category and was the top finisher for the State of Illinois.
Other Illinois communities within the same category included Arlington Heights, Tinley Park and Orland Park.
National Night Out is a key element in Berwyn’s commitment to a year-round effort to enhance public safety and is shared by over thirty six million people in over fourteen thousand different communities across North America.
Berwyn collaborated with several federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, FBI, ATF, and DEA.
The Cook County Department of Corrections and over 21 local law enforcement agencies were also represented. In addition, the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and VietNow participated in the event.
The event received overwhelming support from the local business community, allowing Berwyn to produce the event at no cost to the city.
With an attendance over 7,100 participants, the event benefits not only Berwyn residents but also visitors from the greater Cook County area, bringing neighbors and communities together to reduce crime, drugs and violence.
Mayor Robert J. Lovero stated, “This past August, Berwyn welcomed the challenge to maintain our position as Illinois’ top-ranked NNO event and 21st nationally in our class. This year, we held our own at the state level and improved our position by nine spots nationally.
Once again, the collaboration of local, state and federal agencies has demonstrated that Berwyn is committed to being a regional leader for public safety programming.”
Fire Chief Denis O’Halloran expanded on Mayor Lovero’s sentiment, stating, “National Night Out is an excellent opportunity for the Fire Department to help educate the public on how to be fire safe. By having a venue with residents, we are able to communicate our mission, demonstrate our services, and expand the outreach of our local units and the Citizens Fire Academy.”
Police Chief William Kushner added, “The Take Back the Night Rallies and the keynote NNO event help to rekindle the spirit between our residents and our law enforcement agencies, letting them know they’re not alone in their fight against crime, violence and drugs.
National Night Out is just part of the culmination of ongoing programs in Berwyn, including Project 365 and the Citizens Police Academy, both of which are geared towards increasing the visibility of law enforcement officers and inviting community volunteers to join forces with the police department.”
Save the date for next year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010.
Berwyn will again host the event at Morton West High School at 2400 Home Avenue. For more information, visit the City of Berwyn at berwyn-il.gov or call 708-788-8100.