

(All photos courtesy of Marina Sugg and Veronica Sanches)
By Anne Marie Kilday
EAST ALDINE – The 38th annual celebration of National Night Out backed by the East Aldine Management District reflected a conscious effort to build trust between law enforcement and the community — a key to improving public safety.
Dozens of area families turned out for the Oct. 5, 2021 event at the District’s new Town Center great lawn and amphitheater for the celebration.
There were fire engines, ambulances, high water rescue equipment, a surveillance helicopter, law enforcement officers, free library books, college catalogues, free Frisbees and coloring books, whistles and plastic firefighter hats, along with raffle prizes, music, dancing girls, good food and two bouncy houses.
It was an opportunity for kids to see that flashing red lights and sirens are not automatically threatening or scary. And it was a chance for law enforcement officers to joke with pom-pom waving teenagers and toss Frisbees with young boys.
