(NEW CASSEL, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Viviana L. Russell (D – Westbury) joined over 1,000 residents as they celebrated National Night Out in New Cassel on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
For more than four decades, National Night Out events have been held in thousands of communities each year on the first Tuesday in August to promote “police-community partnerships to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.” National Night Out enhances relationships between law enforcement and communities by bringing police and residents together in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Organized through the collaborative efforts of the Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County, with support from various government offices, community organizations, local partners, and sponsors, the event began with a parade that assembled outside the Salvation Army and made its way down Prospect Ave. with youth from the Yes We Can Community chanting through the streets of New Cassel before arriving at Martin “Bunky” Reid Park. There, residents enjoyed a community fair featuring giveaways, refreshments, family-friendly activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with law enforcement, first responders, community organizations, and neighbors. In addition to interacting with our Nassau County Police, the highlight for many of the children is the opening of the ball pit, where each child is given the opportunity to get a glitter filled beach ball generously donated by Deer Park Recycling.
In addition to participating in the National Night Out celebration in her hometown of New Cassel, Legislator Russell supported events throughout Legislative District 2 in Uniondale, Hicksville, and the Village of Hempstead, recognizing the efforts of the local officials, community leaders, organizations, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, sponsors, and supporters who helped make each gathering possible.
“National Night Out is a celebration of unity and partnership, and there are few better opportunities than a beautiful summer evening to come together with our neighbors and the men and women who work every day to keep our communities safe,” Legislator Russell said. “These events are made possible through the collective efforts of so many people and organizations. I thank the various government offices, community organizations and supporters, the Nassau County Police Department, our law enforcement partners, first responders, volunteers, and event sponsors for their commitment and collaboration. It is through partnerships like these that we strengthen relationships, build trust, and advance the community-driven approach to public safety that our neighborhoods deserve.”
Top photo, from left - Legislator Russell with the Deer Park Recycling (DPR) Team - Angelina Sissons, Ron Kitt, Elizabeth Sissons, Andrea Garcia, Mike Meinardus, DPR Owner Anthony Sissons, and Councilman Robert Troiano
Bottom photo – Legislator Russell, with leaders of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association
PHOTO CREDITS – First two photos by Chris Portuondodesmith; PBA photo furnished by Office of Legislator Viviana L. Russell