News

Jun 23, 2023

Skokie, Park Ridge police offer family fun, from games to squad cars to ice cream, on National Night Out

Skokie and Park Ridge police were willing to do what it takes to interact with kids and families Aug. 1 at National Night Out, an event that encourages police to host community-oriented events with

Skokie and Park Ridge police were willing to do what it takes to interact with kids and families Aug. 1 at National Night Out, an event that encourages police to host community-oriented events with games, demonstrations, food and fun.

In Skokie, both Police Chief Brian Baker and Deputy Chief Jesse Barnes were among those volunteering at the dunk tank, where kids could throw balls that released a lever to dunk the volunteer into a pool of water. Skokie Deputy Fire Chief Nick Eschner literally got down on children’s level when he kneeled down on a mat to demonstrate the “stop, drop and roll” technique, teaching children what to do if their clothes catch on fire.

Skokie Deputy Fire Chief Nick Eschner shows Aden Lutru, 6, of Skokie, how to dial 911 in an emergency after showing him the stop, drop and roll technique one should do if one's clothes should catch on fire. (Pam DeFiglio)

Officers Garren Zerfass and David Badagliacco were among those grilling halal, kosher and veggie hot dogs on the warm evening, Anjum Hava, park services office manager for the Skokie Park District, and others provided the various hot dogs to families and individuals who attended, just as fast as other volunteers could wrap them in foil.

Bluma Steinberg of Skokie, with her brother Hershel at left in green, aims at a water hose at a pretend fire during a kids' safety demonstration at Skokie's National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023. (Pam DeFiglio)

Bill Stewart of Badgerland Reptile Rescue in Kenosha, Wisconsin brought several snakes and other creatures for visitors to view and, in a few cases, hold. Mariela Ortega was holding up the tail end of a long tan-colored snake while Stewart held its head.

Bill Stewart of Badgerland Reptile Rescue in Wisconsin shows a tan-colored snake to Mariela Ortega. (Pam DeFiglio)

Community resources such as the Niles Township Food Pantry and organizations such as Collective Resource Composting also had tables, and many organizations were giving away snacks and small items.

In Park Ridge, Interim Police Chief Bob Kampwirth and Interim Deputy Chief Gene Ware greeted attendees and residents who came to see entertainment like the Jesse White Tumblers and enjoy popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream and other treats.

Park Ridge Interim Police Chief Bob Kampwirth, left, and Interim Deputy Police Chief Gene Ware visit with community members during National Night Out, designed for police to mingle with residents in a friendly setting. (Pam DeFiglio)

Police and Public Works had lined up police cars, a police motorcycle, a large truck and a fire engine on Courtland Avenue, which was closed to traffic, and children and families took turns sitting in the vehicles, checking out their equipment, honking the horns and turning on the sirens.

Many community organizations set up tables for the event. Kris Cichowski was fastening glow stick necklaces around children at a booth that provided information about the Kiwanis of Park Ridge, of which Cichowski is president.

Kris Cichowski, president of Kiwanis of Park Ridge, places a glow necklace on a young girl at National Night Out. Aug. 1, 2023. (Pam DeFiglio)

Pat Adlaf and Brian Lazzaro were among those at the Park Ridge Historical Society table, showing books on Park Ridge history. Nearby, Kelly and Jeff Walters had brought their pet African Sulfata tortoise, Peaches, who was walking on the grass as children crouched down to touch its shell.

The Boy Scouts, the Park Ridge Park District and the Park Ridge Library were among other nonprofit groups and businesses setting up booths and engaging with residents.