National Night Out a continued success

LIMA — Hundreds of Lima residents gathered Tuesday evening alongside local law enforcement agencies in hopes of bridging the gap between them.

This was the 15th year that Lima has celebrated National Night Out, a program that works toward improving community and police relations.

Connie Dershem, neighborhood specialist for the city of Lima, helps form local neighborhood associations by planning projects and events. She’s been working behind-the-scenes at National Night Out for the past 10 years.

Dershem said the event has grown each year. The event used to be celebrated in individual neighborhoods, but four years ago was held downtown in hopes of gathering all the neighborhoods together.

“The community has to act as the eyes and ears for law enforcement because they can’t be everywhere all the time,” Dershem said.

John Schneider, chairman of Lima’s National Night Out, said volunteers are a large reason why the event is successful.

“We welcome suggestions on ways to better showcase the community and law enforcement relationship,” Schneider said. “This is a chance for the community to emphasize positive involvement surrounding crime and drug abuse.”

Community members enjoyed free popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers and soda as they listened to music. There was coloring available for children, as well as balloons and a life-size dancing frog.

Booths were set up around the Town Square with information on various issues. The Crime Prevention Unit of the Lima Police Department had a booth highlighting the negative effects of drugs, as well as informational packets and sign-up sheets for self-defense classes.

Lima Police Chief Gregory Garlock said the growing relationship between the Lima Police Department and Allen County Sheriff’s Office stems from an unprecedented effort on the part of Sheriff Sam Crish.

Crish agreed that the flourishing relationship is necessary for good things to happen around Allen County.

“If we want to make a difference, than this cooperation is what we need,” Crish said.

Nearly 40 community members, including Mayor David Berger and Crish, took part in a “Shine a Light on Crime and Drugs” walk around the Town Square area.

Berger said he’s found it very important that law enforcement meet people on a personal basis.

“Sometimes the public can be put off by people in uniform. This is a cordial setting for people to approach officials and get to know them and their names,” Berger said. “National Night Out is a long-standing tradition.”

Kathleen Klett, a Lima resident, said she enjoys coming to National Night Out and being together with everyone.

“We have the freedom to be with everyone regardless of what’s going on in our city,” Klett said.