Politics & Government
Hiram Police Prepare for a Night Out Against Crime
The Hiram Police Department invites residents to come out for a night of learning about crime prevention and awareness at National Night Out 2011.
The Hiram Police Department is gearing up for the National Night Out event set for Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ben Hill Strickland Sr. Memorial Park in Hiram.
The event is in its 28th year nationally and is the largest annual crime prevention event held around the United States. Last year, more than 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010 across all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.
Hiram Chief of Police Gary Yandura’s vision was to bring the NNO event to Hiram this year and to teach the community how to fight crime and facilitate communication between the department and the community they serve. Yandura has been involved with the event in previous years and saw an opportunity to bring National Night Out to the Hiram community.
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"The most important aspect of hosting National Night Out is to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships," said Jason James, Hiram Courts and GCIC manager.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; and to send a clear message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
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“The Hiram Police Department wants participants to feel empowered to organize their community and partner with local law enforcement to make Hiram a safe place to live, work and play,” James said.
According to James, participants can expect a lot of fun and entertainment at this year’s event. Through a grant provided by Target Corporation and donations from several businesses in Hiram, the police department is able to provide this at no cost to the public. There will also be participation from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department and many other local community programs. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and beverages will be provided.
For more information on this event, visit the city of Hiram’s website at www.cityofhiramga.gov or www.nationalnightout.org.