Residents, police unite at Night Out

The helicopter was one of many interactive police displays set up Tuesday at the town's 25th annual National Night Out event.

National Night Out is a community crime and drug prevention event coordinated nationwide by police units.

"This is not just a one day celebration," said Col. Michael Blow. "We need to remain vigilant and focused 365 days a year to protect our community."

This year's event featured free food and games for kids, interactive activities at stands run by the Boy Scouts of America, the Navy, Marines, Army and county police.

Richard Brooks, who has lived in Beltsville for nine years, said the event's hand-on nature made it more beneficial for children than a night of just games and food.

"It's more than just games and a moon bounce," he said. "When people can see, feel and touch things there is more of a response. They are more likely to get involved."

Brooks was there with his daughters, Monique, 12, and Kimberly, 8, and said it's the best and largest National Night Out he's attended.

Beltsville resident Vivian Abalama said the food also reflected the event's inclusive feel.

"It's a more diverse area than when I moved in seven years ago," she said. "There are people from different countries here and they had Indian food and other ethnic food. Normally, it's just hamburgers and hot dogs."

Moses Olubo was in attendance with his three children Simone, 8, Moses, 10, and Thomas, 6.

Olubo said events like this are important in getting children out to socialize with each other.

"I'm a teacher and I can tell you firsthand that this benefits kids," he said. "They have an opportunity to come out and interact with each other. You don't get a lot of that anymore. Once they get out here, you can see the glow in their eyes."

Olubo also said the opportunity for the children to be active in the community is another important piece to National Night Out.

"It's very resourceful, for the kids to come learn about the police," he said. "It's also good because the library is here and that's the center of our community."

Officials were also on hand for a tribute to Sgt. Richard Findley, who was killed on duty in June, including Prince George's County Councilman Thomas Dernoga (D-Dist. 1) of Laurel, Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D-Dist. 21) of College Park, Prince George's County State's Attorney Glen F. Ivey (D), and Del. Barbara Frush (D-Dist. 21) of Beltsville.

"That was a tragic blow to this station," said District 6 station Com. Dwayne Preston. "It's been five weeks and we're still recovering. We are touched to have Sgt. Findley's family here."

The Fraternal Order of Police presented Findley's widow, Kelly, with the "Officer of the Year" award as well as a check for &#e6;7,700, gathered through donations from residents and local businesses.