Lieutenant Jessica West and Sergeant Marti Stewart with the Henderson Police Department were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Alliance Against Crime, a public affairs program, to discuss the Henderson -Vance 35th Annual National Night Out Against Crime event.
This year’s Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5 – 8 p.m. on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. Free hot dogs, drinks, souvenir cups, face painting and bounce houses will be available.
West estimated that 30-50 vendors will be on-hand to interact with the community and provide information on their programs and services. Vendors still interested in participating may contact West or Stewart at the Henderson Police Department.
In addition to the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire Department, EMS personnel, NC State Highway Patrol, Crime Stoppers, Vance County Department of Social Services, and Infinite Possibilities, Inc. will also be among the organizations represented at Night Out.
“Night Out is held for everyone to see what our community has to offer,” said West. “It’s about getting together, having fun and learning about law enforcement; get to know officers one-on-one.”
In case of heavy rain, Night Out will be held the following Tuesday, August 14, 2018 – same time and location.
Other Updates and Upcoming Events:
St. Baldrick’s Day
The 2018 St. Baldrick’s Day event “Cops vs. Cancer” was held at Fox Pond Park in May to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping fight childhood cancer. According to West, who shaved her head in support of the foundation, the event has currently raised approximately $11,000 – $12,000. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the year. Please visit the event page if you wish to donate.
Community Health Assessment
The Henderson Police Department is partnering with Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH) to conduct a door-to-door community health assessment in Vance County through Saturday, July 28. Volunteers will be identified by a GVPH visor. Participation is important to ensure an accurate reflection of the community’s health needs.
Community Watch Groups
Residents interested in starting a Community Watch group are encouraged to contact West or Stewart. Established groups meet monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. According to Stewart, a police representative attends the meetings to answer citizens’ questions, provide crime statistics on the area and to gather information on what the Henderson Police Department can do to better assist the community.