Plainfield's National Night Out - An Evening of Unity in Our City

On August 7th, 1984 the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) introduced the first ever National Night Out. The idea was to encourage communities to get involved in crime prevention activities, to promote police-community partnerships, neighborhood unity, and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods were organized and fighting back.

That first year, 2.5 million Americans across 400 communities in 23 states took part. The seed was planted. National Night Out now involves over 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Here in Plainfield, we have participated in National Night Out for many years and this year will be no exception. Tomorrow, Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 from 6 PM to 8 PM we will gather at City Hall Plaza and the Parking Lot for our annual celebration.

In addition to the promotion of police-community partnerships and building neighborhood camaraderie, this year we will also service low-income students in Plainfield by providing them with book bags and school supplies. Our vision is for every child in Plainfield to have the best learning opportunities possible, and having the right tools is an important part of what they need to succeed in the classroom.  These donations will not only assist students in their preparations for school but also give them added motivation to learn, grow and flourish. We are partners here in our community and we have a vested interest in seeing our children achieve as much as possible.

National Night Out will serve to reinforce the positive bond that we enjoy with our police officers. This evening will be a chance to interact and enjoy some light moments with the men and women who work hard to protect us. Additionally, there will a demonstration by the Plainfield Fire Division, a Car Show, Kids Zone, Live Music, Refreshments and other exciting activities.

As a community, it is important that we continue to be unified in our stand against crime. When we stand together regardless of color, regardless of creed, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of anything other than the fact that this is our Plainfield, and we want to protect it and make it safe for everyone. When we put aside our differences and unite for a better quality of life, this is when we begin to make a difference, this is when we begin to win.

National Night Out is an opportunity to take that stand whilst having fun. These are the moments that serve to strengthen our bond as family. We know that a city united is stronger than one that is divided and we want to grow stronger every day.

It's our city, and these are our neighborhoods, our children, our friends, our families, and our future. Will you join us as we come together on August 2nd to unite, to stand up against crime, to strengthen the bond between our police officers and you, our residents, and to help our children get the start they deserve?

Plainfield, unity is everything...and I hope to see you there.

Creating One Plainfield - One Future,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp 

City of Plainfield