By Dana Hudspeth, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Ada’s 2008 National Night Out (NNO) event was honored for the third consecutive year as one of the best in the United States.
This is the fourth time in five years the Chickasaw Nation, the city of Ada, and East Central University (ECU) have shared the award from the National Association of Town Watch. All three organizations work together to host the event on the first Tuesday of August each year.
"National Night Out is a great example of our many successful partnerships with the City of Ada and ECU," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "This award is further confirmation that this event is helping to strengthen the bonds between local law enforcement agencies and all members of the community."
National Night Out is a nationwide crime and drug prevention event designed to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, and to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
Locally, the event gives people of the Ada community a chance to interact with several law enforcement agencies, local fire departments, EMS crews and search and rescue teams.
Participants learn not only about crime prevention, but recycling, good nutrition, foster care and fire safety and other important issues at the informational booths.
“Whenever something good is going on in this community, the Chickasaw Nation is always there. I appreciate all the efforts of the tribe. Without the tribe in this community, we would not enjoy the same quality of life,” said Ada mayor Barbara Young.
“We look forward to National Night Out every year,” said Sonya Hensley, ECU tribal police training program coordinator.
“It’s a great partnership and each year we have more and more participation from the community and law enforcement.”
In 2008, Ada’s NNO ranked #15 in cities with population with less than 15,000. Last year, more than 500 community members attended the Ada NNO, making the local NNO effort one of the largest in the state. Ada is one of 11,000 communities around the nation and Canada, and on military bases which take part in the event.
The 2008 award recipients are based on overall campaign, neighborhood participation, law enforcement involvement, media and promotional campaign, special events and other criteria.
National Night Out was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in 1984 as a means of increasing participation in neighbor watch participation. Since its inception, the nationwide program has grown to reach 30 million people.
The 2009 National Night Out event is set Tuesday, August 4 on the campus of East Central University.
For more information about the Ada’s NNO, contact Matt Folsom at 580-272-5505.
