Nationally-recognized Night Out

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CHANNAHON –The Channahon Police Department was named Rookie of the Year this week for its participation in this summer’s National Night Out.

There were over 14,000 communities nationwide that participated in the event on Aug. 4.

Although this was not the first time Channahon has participated, according to Police Chief Joe Pena, it was the first in quite a while, and it was an entirely different kind of event than it used to be.

When the event first began all over the country, Pena said, it was primarily a night where communities asked residents and businesses to leave their lights on for a certain period as an awareness of keeping neighborhoods safe.

“It has ballooned from that to an event designed to make the public more aware of what their police departments do,” Pena explained. “Its intent is to educate.”

Channahon observed the day by holding an open house at its police station. There was a tour with demonstrations of evidence processing, including dusting for fingerprints, and plenty of safety tips for residents.

There was also some fun, with officers participating in dunk tanks, with dancing horses, and autographs by Roland Harper – a former Chicago Bears fullback.

Officers also were presented in a formal march with accompanying bagpipes and drums.

“It was a very well-attended event,” Pena said. “We will definitely do it again next year.”

The award was announced during this week’s village board meeting.

“This is another example of excellent community policing by our police force,” Village President Joe Cook said. “We have some great leadership there and great participation from the department and from the community.”
 

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