72nd Precinct National Night Out strengthens relationship between community and cops

There’s no party like a Sunset party.

The neighborhood continued the long-standing tradition that takes place all over the country, with its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, an event designed to bring police of the 72nd Precinct together with the community.

It was an evening where adults celebrated, dancing to live music of different genres, eating free food and finding information from various local companies.

However, the kids were the stars of the party, receiving free toys from the 72nd Precinct Community Council, and enjoying a bouncy ride, bubble machine, face painting and balloon animals created by a clown.

Though there have been some trying times in the last year, Captain Tommy Ng discussed the vast improvement. “This is my second year spending National Night out with the Sunset Park community,” he told The Home Reporter. “And in the past year, a new relationship has developed. I think the Sunset community has gotten a lot closer relationship with the Police Department.”

Ng cited the first Puerto Rican Day Parade held in the neighborhood for the first time in decades as a prime example of that improvement. “You could see it in that parade,” he noted. “It was a very successful one. There was not a single arrest was made and no summons were given. I think it’s a great turnaround.”

Local dignitaries were also in attendance, stressing the importance of keeping the streets safe. “We are united to stand against violence and gun violence and we are resolute in not to allow crime to take over our streets,” said

Congressmember Nydia Velázquez, contending that the community along with government must have an increased role. “It’s not enough to say no to crime. We need to invest in our community and that is the one challenge that we are facing.”

Councilmember Carlos Menchaca also discussed the significance of National Night Out. “This night in Sunset Park means that communities as diverse as this one come together and celebrate the beauty of community power,” he said. “We need safe streets. We need to remove drugs from our streets, guns from our streets and none of that happens without community coming together.”

“We are here to say thank you to the NYPD,” added Councilmember Brad Lander. “We don’t reach out enough to build those relationships to say thank you to make sure we are staying safe together.”

Executive Director of Sunset Park BID Renee Giordano enjoyed the activities for the youngsters. “We enjoy being able to work with the precinct and the precinct council,” she said, “and it’s nice to see the kids being able just to run around.”

BROOKYLN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Jaime DeJesus