Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010

BSPD celebrates National Night Out

Crime Prevention Officer Doug Heishman

Two weeks ago, the Blue Springs Police Department hosted the 12th Annual National Night Out Against Crime event in downtown Blue Springs, with a crowd estimated at more than 1,000 people, in spite of very hot weather conditions.

The annual event takes place every year in communities across America. National Night Out is designed to raise community awareness and inform citizens on ways we can work together to fight crime in our communities. The free event provides education for youth and adults regarding crime prevention, general public safety and the danger of drugs. Blue Springs Police personnel were also on hand to demonstrate equipment, provide crime prevention information and assist in all aspects of the event.

Blue Springs City Councilman Dale Carter, a Blue Springs native and morning show co-host for Country 94.1 KFKF, emceed the event’s main stage. Mayor Carson Ross welcomed the crowd, as did County Executive Mike Sanders. Entertainment included a magic exhibition by former Mayor Steve Steiner, a musical performance by the Holy Hill Baptist Church Choir and dancers from TaJazz School of Dance.

More than 30 vendors attended the event and provided handouts, promotional gifts and information, including: Above All Family Chiropractic, Action martial Arts, Autumn Place apartments, Blue Springs Elks Lodge, Blue Springs Family YMCA, Chapel Ridge apartments, The Coffee Shack, Farmers Insurance group/Douglas Shrout, Gage Center, Highway 7 chiropractic, Jackson County children’s division, Sports City, Missouri Department of Conservation, Christy Moon - property manager, La Petite Academy, Victim’s of Impaired Drivers, Kool Nites Limousine, Cake Pan, Bob Evans, GAP generation, Healthy Day Café and First Baptist Bible Church.

Several additional local businesses provided merchandise for the raffle, including McDonalds, Kleinschmidt’s Western store, Fike Corporation, Paradise Park, China One, AMC theatres, Harley-Davidson Blue Springs, Quik Trip, Courtyard by Marriott, Mirror Image car wash, Sonic, and K&M office products. The final raffle, conducted by Pastor Rick Johnson included two bikes and a flat screen television. The girl’s bike was donated by Cindy Hood and the television was donated by United Missouri Bank.

Food and refreshments were provided by several local businesses. Bob Evans Restaurant provided tea and lemonade, Rancho Grande Restaurant provided five hundred tacos. Price Chopper donated 5000 bottles of water and all ingredients for 1,000 hotdogs including chips and dessert. Target Stores donated plates, spoons and folks, including items to assist in cooking the hotdogs.

Direct participation by volunteers was essential. In addition to BSPD VIPS, special thanks was given to Kohl’s and Target, each whom provided ten volunteers to assist in various locations during the event.

For information on any Crime Prevention program, contact the Community and Youth Outreach Unit at 816-228-0178 or e-mail Sgt. Kintz at akintz@bluespringsgov.com