On Tuesday, August 6, Somerville Police Department hosted its first National Night out (NNO) in collaboration with The Somerville Parks and Recreation Department and the Somerville Department of Public Works.

NNO is a day of community building that promotes police and community partnerships. It is based on the fact that local organizations can come together with the Somerville Police Department to provide an opportunity to increase awareness and build positive relationships between the police and the communities they serve. It gave all of us an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations outside of a crisis. Participants were even invited to dunk SPD Command Staff and to introduce themselves to an officer for a chance to win free prizes.

It would be almost impossible to thank everyone who was involved in this enormous undertaking. From sponsors, to agencies who hosted a table, and even Boston Bruins Mascot Blades, there were over 100 partners involved in the success of NNO. Without our sponsors, we would not have been able to make everything at this event free to the residents of Somerville. And without the residents that attended, this night would not have been successful because it needs everyone in order to work.

It was clear from the smiles on everyone’s faces (police and neighbors alike) that this was a much needed and appreciated event. It is with the utmost gratitude that we thank all of our partners, community businesses, organizations, sponsors, and residents for a successful first National Night Out.

— Somerville Police Department