Crowds celebrate Night Out Against Crime

U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis with Fort Hamilton Army Base and 68th District staff. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta

Cops and the people they protect came together to celebrate the annual National Crime Night on August 2.

The 68th Precinct, which serves Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Fort Hamilton, held its event at Owl’s Head Park, where guests enjoyed food, music, rides and raffles.

Precinct 68 staff at Owl’s Head Park. Photos: Arthur De Gaeta

Elected officials and representatives from Fort Hamilton Army Base joined in the fun, while Alison Greaker of the Ragamuffin Parade Committee signed up the kids for the Oct. 1 march.

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Capt. Andrew Tolson, precinct commander, received a city proclamation signed by Mayor Eric Adams.

The staff of precinct 68 enjoy the evening. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta

“The National Night Out Against Crime event was a success again this year,” said Brian Chin, Assistant Vice President of Investors Bank. “This is a wonderful way for the community and the local 68th Police Commissioner to come together in one night as a show of strength and unity.”

Deputy Mathylde Frontus with police officers. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta

Precinct 62, which covers Bath Beach, Bensonhurst and Gravesend, held its event outside the station at 1925 Bath Ave.

Sonia Valentin, president of the precinct community council, told this paper that it is important for a community to have a partnership and understanding with the local police department.

Captain Tao Chen, commander of the 62nd District, with US Representative Nicole Malliotakis, Community Council President Sonia Valentin and council members. Photo: Ted General

“It means a lot to the community to interact with the outstanding men and women of our police department and feel comfortable building a relationship with them in a social setting like the National Night Out Against Crime,” Valentin said. “Being able to communicate one-on-one is important for residents to see that the police have their best interests at heart and want to keep us all safe.”

Children enjoy a performance outside the station. Photo: Ted General

Precinct 72, which serves Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights and South Park Slope, held its event at the Sunset Park soccer field.

Deputy Inspector Ernesto Castro opened the event with Deputy Chief Michael M. Kemper, commander of Brooklyn South, and guests had the opportunity to mingle with McGruff, the crime dog.

“Tuesday night saw hundreds of Sunset Park residents enjoy a fun evening of music, folk dancers, bounce houses and giveaways,” said David Estrada, executive director of the Sunset Park Fifth Avenue BID, which co-sponsored the event “The weather was very hot, but everyone found free cold drinks and shade to hang out with our precinct officers.”

There was plenty of food to go. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta
Walter Ochoa and Brian Chin of Investors Bank with Fort Hamilton Army Base and 68th Precinct personnel. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta
Children enjoy the bounce house. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta
The volunteers were working hard. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta
Guests pose with Deputy Inspector Ernesto Castro Jr., commander of Precinct 72. Photo: David Estrada
Dancers perform on the football field. Photo: David Estrada

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