Brooklyn’s 62nd Precinct, serving the areas of Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Gravesend, celebrated National Night Out in a big way on Tuesday, August 4.
Held in the heart of Bensonhurst right outside the precinct itself at Bath Avenue and Bay 22nd Street, the thriving Brooklyn neighborhood’s version of the national event boasted big, colorful bounce houses, train rides, a live DJ, local eats, face painting and more.
Starting the night off right, President of the 62nd Precinct Community Council Louis Trimboli encouraged everyone to mingle with fellow attendees.
“We’re going to ask you look to the person to your right, the person to your left, and introduce yourself,” he said. “You’re going to have great time here tonight.”
Assemblymember William Colton—representing Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights and Midwood—was all about the community’s “family feel” as well, expressing that the relationship between the 62nd Precinct and the community it serves is a tight-knit one.
“The 62 family has always been a tremendous family, so when we have a Night Out, it’s everyone coming out and celebrating and it’s because of the good relationship that the community and the 62nd Precinct have and continue to have,” said Colton. “That’s the reason why crime is going down here, and that’s the reason why we have so many people having a good time. I’m very happy to be here and be part of this.”
The 62nd Precinct’s newly appointed commanding officer, Captain Anthony Sanseverino, also stressed the importance of Night Out, and what it does for community-police relations in the district.
“When I was a cop and had just started out, I really didn’t appreciate what this was,” Sanseverino said about going to Night Out as a rookie cop. “I remember I was told to come to National Night Out, and I didn’t even know what it was about.
“And in all my years, every year I go on, you realize how important it is,” he continued. “To see the relationship between the community and the Police Department and how important it is, this is a way that we all get a chance to have that partnership and that relationship.”
Community activist Justin Brannan was also in attendance on behalf of Mayor Bill de Blasio and presented Sanseverino and the 62nd Precinct with a proclamation from the city.
“Tonight is about the community, it’s about respect in the community and the great men and women who do a great job day in and day out here at the 62nd Precinct,” Brannan said. “Each and everyday when I go to work, there’s a good chance I’m going to come home alive that night. These guys don’t have the same assurance, so we’ve got to thank them for what they do for us each and every day. Respect [goes] back and forth, it’s a two way street. That’s what it’s all about.”
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Anna Spivak
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