Portland Fire & Rescue was highly visible and had some very positive interactions with community members during this year’s National Night Out celebration on August 4, 2009.

Firefighters from Station 2

Photo courtesy of East PDX News

http://eastpdxnews.com  

National Night Out is a unique community event celebrated the first Tuesday of August each year that focuses on prevention of crime and drug activity. National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten community awareness of crime and drug prevention
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
• Promote emergency preparedness awareness

On-duty Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters attended 78 neighborhood events, dedicated over 225 staff hours to the National Night Out activities, and made contact with several thousand citizens. The firefighters participated in a wide variety of activities including potlucks, block parties, cookouts, and BBQ’s.  Firefighters also:

• Displayed a new Pierce fire engine
• Demonstrated the use of our turnout uniforms and other safety equipment
• Discussed possible employment opportunities with citizens
• Assisted animal control with an animal rescue at an event
• Filled a 500 gallon dunk tank
• Performed a water display with various nozzles
• Discussed station remodels and temporary relocations
• Talked about seasonal fire and safety hazards
• Explained special responses including responses to hazardous materials situations
• Handed out badges, plastic helmets, and fire education materials 

For more information, tips for organizing a block party, or how you can celebrate National Night Out in August 2010, click here to be redirected to the City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Development’s website.

November 5, 2009