Burbank joined 15,500 other communities to observe National Night Out (NNO), an annual observance to promote crime and drug prevention, and strengthen police/community partnership.
The main event locally was held next to the Chandler Bikeway, on Chandler Blvd. between Keystone St. and Lincoln St. adjacent to Edison Elementary School’s field. Other events were held at various locations throughout the city, with a total of 18 events.
Everything from the Burbank Police Department’s armored vehicle to the mounted patrol was on display. Swat team members were on hand to explain some of the specialized equipment they use, as well as let young and old climb into the armored vehicle. Two of the department’s motorcycles were on display. The “motors,” with their specialized equipment, are hardly your standard stock BMW motorcycles.
Sgt. Kerry Schilf riding his horse “Texas” was a big hit with the kids, who lined up to pet the big horse. Also attending was one of Burbank’s canine units. Members of the department-sponsored Police Explorer unit were manning a booth, handing out glow bracelets to kids, and selling DARE anti-drug t-shirts.
Burbank’s Park, Recreation and Community Services department was out in force, offering a variety of booths. In their crafts booth, young children were busy making buttons and other artful items to take home. There were a variety of flavors available in the Sno Cone booth. A big hit was the Burbank Transportation booth that was giving out cloth bags — ideal for toting around all the literature and goodies being given out.
Burbank Water and Power was also on hand, urging residents to sign up for free home energy inspections. The prize wheel at the Burbank Public Library was a big hit with the kids. Also exhibiting were the Burbank Fire Department, Relay for Life, Downtown Burbank, Bike Burbank, Friends of the Chandler Bikeway, and Burbank Civic Pride Committee.
A big hit again this year was the Target booth. Everyone gathered around at 7 p.m. when the crew from the Burbank Target store began drawing winning tickets. Several happy folks walked away with prizes that included merchandise and Target gift cards.
No one at the event went away hungry. As they have in the past, Wienerschnitzel had their mobile hot dog truck there, offering free hot dogs or chili dogs, and French fries. Cold bottles of water were also given away, which were a big hit due to the extremely hot weather this week.
Although the turnout was good, it did seem like fewer people turned out this year than in the past few years. Perhaps the hot weather kept some people at home. But for those who turned out to chat with Police Chief Scott LaChasse and members of his command staff, as well as the many police officers in attendance, it was great evening.
Although we were not able to get to every National Night Out event, BNB staff did attend several. Check out the photos from some of these events held at various locations throughout the city.
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