Kane County Sheriff’s Office hosts National Night Out

Armored vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances and a mobile command center were just some of the law enforcement vehicles on display Aug. 1 as the Kane County Sheriff’s Office hosted the agency’s National Night Out celebration.

Thousands of people showed up for the event held outside the Kane County Sheriff’s Office in St. Charles. The annual event is part of a national program aimed at fostering community relations.

Police agencies in communities across the state and country held similar events last week, marking the 40th annual observance of the tradition.

Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said what residents seemed to appreciate most was the close-up interactions they got to have with members of law enforcement. He said many citizens approached officers with kind words of appreciation for their work.

“Every year we meet new folks and many people return to see what’s happening each year,” Hain said. “We really appreciate everyone’s support.”

National Night Out began in August 1984 with 2.5 million participants in 23 states. It is typically celebrated the first Tuesday in August in much of the U.S. Some agencies hold the events the weekend before or after Aug. 1.

Hain said the Aug. 1 event was an opportunity for the public to hang out with the sheriff’s office and see equipment up close. He said not only does his office get better acquainted with the community, but they educate the public.

K-9 handlers offered tutorials, as did SWAT members, bomb technicians and more. Many local agencies showed up including the coroner, Emergency Management services and the forest preserve police, to name a few. The event introduced the public to other areas covered by officers such as corrections and court security and specialty vehicles that cover 550 square miles in the county.

Other vehicles on display included a critical incident response vehicle, a snowplow and the Superior Air Med rescue helicopter, which was a big hit with some of the youngsters.

St. Charles residents Sean and Jennifer Denison brought their children Lillian, 8, London, 5, and Lincoln, 2. Lincoln’s favorite part was the helicopter. His sister London favored the ambulances. Lillian said she liked the firetrucks and police vehicles.

Kane County residents Sara and Joshua Griffin brought their sons Elijah, 3, and Warren, 1, and had just taken a close-up look at the helicopter. Elijah said he liked the helicopter, but his favorite vehicle was the snowplow.

Elgin resident Brittany Rogalla, who was attending with her 4-year-old niece, said her family attends National Night Out at different locations in the area every year. She said it’s a family tradition to take a picture of her niece in the back of a police car every year.

“It’s always a fun event,” Rogalla said. “Everybody is relaxed and it feels safe. I feel like you don’t get to interact with cops like this otherwise.”