The Kilmarnock Police Department (KPD) hosted its annual National Night Out event Tuesday, August 6, at Kilmarnock Town Centre Park, bringing together the community for an evening of fun, food and crime prevention awareness.
The event, aimed at strengthening community spirit and fostering relationships among residents and law enforcement, was a resounding success, according to KPD Chief Cliff Dawson.
National Night Out is a nationwide initiative that urges neighborhoods to partner with law enforcement agencies to raise awareness of police programs and anti-crime efforts. In Kilmarnock, the event was a collaborative effort, among the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police and White Stone, Upper Lancaster and Kilmarnock volunteer fire departments.
Town Centre Park was buzzing with energy as attendees enjoyed a variety of attractions, including food trucks, bounce houses and games with prizes and raffles, said town manager Susan Cockrell. Throughout the evening, the focus remained on the importance of crime prevention and the role that strong community relationships play in maintaining a safe environment.
The success of the National Night Out is a testament to the dedication of Kilmarnock’s law enforcement and emergency services, as well as the enthusiasm of the community, said Cockrell.
KPD looks forward to continuing this tradition and building on the momentum of the event to further enhance community spirit and crime prevention efforts in the years to come, she said.
Participating organizations included Lancaster Community Library, Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Eastern VA CERT, Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Behavioral Health, State Farm, Toys for Tots, USCG Auxiliary, Bay Internists, Wildlife 911 Northern Neck, RT’s Midway Entertainment and Cajun Carry Out.
Media partners included Middle Neck News (WKWI/WIGO) and The Highlander Studios.
Sponsors, including Bay Bistro To Go, Front Porch Coffeehouse, Sal’s Italian Pizza, Carter and Son, Geo Products, Sandpiper Restaurant, Compass Entertainment Complex, Lee’s Restaurant, Tri-Star Supermarket, Nail Trix, Etudes Ballet Studio, Rapid Lube, The Rivah, Mae Umphlett, Small Town Burger and Noblett Appliances, made this event possible, said Cockrell.
