Community, Law Enforcement Celebrate National Night Out

By Sydney Wilmer (Contact)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Free pencils, faux badges and plastic firefighter hats were at every turn Tuesday night in the Potomac Falls High School parking lot. But Loudoun County's series of celebrations for National Night Out – held in South Riding, Sterling, Lovettsville and Leesburg – was about more than prizes and trinkets.

A fire drill and exhibit on underwater crime scene investigation were both part of a spread designed to make the communities feel more comfortable with local law enforcement. Officials said they hoped to bring community members together, too.

"We have these events to get communities out to see what their tax money pays for," Deputy Roy Ortutay said. "We also want them to meet the people that respond to their needs when they call."

The nationwide initiative and annual festival asks communities to secure their homes and come visit with their neighbors. It also symbolizes an effort to raise awareness about securing homes and belongings by simply locking doors.

Though Kraig Troxell, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office public information officer, says crime is only slightly on the rise in Loudoun this summer, there is always a threat of theft when homes are not secure.

"We are seeing more quality of life crimes," Troxell said. "Some crimes are preventable - burglaries - they are crimes of opportunity. For the most part, people feel safe in their neighborhood."

Sterling resident Matasha DeSilva, who brought her three children to the event agreed. She said she feels safe in her community. Nevertheless, it is important to her that her children feel comfortable asking for help from officers in the community.

She admits, too, "I also came because my youngest loves police cars."

Firefighter Chris Lewia, 19, said he thinks it is important for the community to see what groups like firefighters do. "This is good to show the kids – we want them to be comfortable with us."

"It is important to bring kids out here so that they aren't afraid of officers," Sterling resident Shelly D'Antoni said. "It makes these officers more identifiable to them." D'Antoni brought her 2-year-old son out to the event.

Ortutay said he just hoped that crowds would give the event a chance. "If we get 150 people at each party out here tonight, I'd call it a success," he said.

Tagged: firefighters, Loudoun County Fire/Rescue, Loudoun Sheriff's Office, police, Potomac Falls High School

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