National Night Out Against Crime…Huge Success!

August 4, 2009

The 26th Annual National Night Out Against Crime was a huge success in Rutherford County. Sites across Murfreesboro, Smyrna and La Vergne had free food, games and a variety of booths telling about area community service groups. Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman tells WGNS News how the annual event began…

In Murfreesboro, there were events at Patterson Park, SportsCom, Rogers Park, Barfield Crescent Park, Franklin Heights, Oakland Court, and Spring Valley-Rolling Acres. Sites in Smyrna and La Vergne were packed as well. As a storm front approached, the hot and humid day turned pleasant. The storms held off until the events ended. View pictures from the Murfreesboro events and find out more about National Night Out Against Crime at wgnsradio.com.

(Above L-R) They say a glamorous entrance sets the mood of the event. A cavalcade of city vans escorted with motorcycle officers at the front and rear had everyone talking. People were whispering, “wonder who that is coming with the escort?” A bystander answered, “The mayor, police chief and other dignitaries.” A young man who looked to be age twelve excitedly quizzed, “Do they get the blue lights everywhere they go?” Then Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg visited the crowd at the Patterson Park Community Center and shared with the live radio audience about the night of fun that was planned by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. Tents sheltered community service groups from the sun, others played soccer, and the Murfreesboro Fire Department was at the entrance to the community center spraying the youngsters.

Senator Jim Tracy, City Councilman Doug Young, Police Chief Glenn Chrisman in the background, City Councilmen Shane McFarland and Toby Gilley have fun meeting neighbors and enjoying the cold drinks and frozen popsicles.

A steady lines of people visited the community service tables, and Murfreesboro Housing Authority Director Pat Noland is a part of the live radio broadcast and invites residents to head to the National Night Out location nearest them. In Murfreesboro, there were events at Patterson Park, SportsCom, Rogers Park, Barfield Crescent Park, Franklin Heights, Oakland Court, and Spring Valley-Rolling Acres. As a storm front approached, the hot and humid day turned pleasant. The storms held off until the events ended. And inflatables were a major attraction for the youngsters and tempting for adults as well.

So what is National Night Out all about? Each year citizens are asked to lock their doors, turn on an outside light and come to one of seven sites hosting a National Night Out event where they can spend the evening with their neighbors, law enforcement officers, and community leaders. In doing so, they will join over 37 million people and 15,000 communities across the United States in sending a strong message to criminals that crime will not be tolerated in our community.

Wednesday’s (8/5/09) WGNS Action Line broadcast “live from the City Cafe” will focus on crime, law and order and making certain youth realize the police are our friends. Assistant Chief Roy Fields along with Sergeant Melvin Cunningham. They will be answering questions from listeners between 8:10-9:00AM. Tune to FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV 11; and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.

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