August 6 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Aberdeen Police Department’s National Night Out.
National Night Out is a national event that has been held every August since 1984.
Sergeant Michael Law and Officer Jordan Majeske took over organizing the event in 2023 after Officer Angie Senger’s retirement.
Officer Angie Senger organized the event until her retirement in 2023.
Majeske, who is the domestic violence officer, volunteered as a way to continue being involved with the community. He sees it as an opportunity to build trust between first responders and community members.
“This event is designed to allow area residents to meet the community helpers and see what they do and how they help the community,” Majeske said.
NNO is an opportunity for the community to interact positively with emergency personnel. Since law enforcement doesn’t normally see people at their best, this is a really cool event for both officers and the public, Law said.
Throughout the years, a variety of main events have been held at National Night Out. The inaugural event featured a doughnut eating contest and a dunking booth. In 2007, police and fire departments faced off in a fire truck pull. Police won with a six second lead according to an Aberdeen American News article from the event.
Magic Joe will be performing for the second year in a row. His show last year was a hit with families, Law said. In addition, there will be a variety of emergency response vehicles to explore, as well as prizes for the kids.
“I really enjoy seeing the kids’ faces when we are giving away the prizes and letting them sit in our patrol vehicles. It’s just a really great family friendly event,” Law said.
National Night Out is funded entirely through donations from the community. Last year, bikes and backpacks full of school supplies were given out, in addition to toys and games, Majeske said.
“Whether it’s money or items to be given away, everything provided at National Night Out is from community donations,” said Law.
All of Aberdeen area’s emergency agencies participate in NNO and local businesses and non-profit organizations also get involved.
The Salvation Army, Ken’s SuperFair Foods and Kessler’s have been community partners for many years and provide the free supper for the event. Ken’s supplies the drinks and Kessler’s provides the hotdogs and buns.
NNO has been successful in Aberdeen because it is at heart, a community building event, Law said.
“This event lets people see us in a different light and as fellow residents,” Law said. “It gives people a chance to talk to us in a setting where no one is in trouble, nothing bad has happened, and there is not some sort of an emergency happening. I think this event has really helped build trust with the community members and it shows.” //
Courtesy of the Aberdeen Police Department
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