Castle Pines and DCSO join in the National Night Out celebration
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Created in the 1980s, National Night Out (NNO) is an annual campaign designed to encourage and promote police and community partnerships. The event began as a way to bring neighbors together with each other, as well as with their local police departments.
This year, there were more than 30 registered block parties throughout Douglas County, and on a beautiful August evening, the tradition continued with residents having the opportunity to get to know and learn more about the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), as well as their neighbors.
“NNO allows DCSO officers to get out into the community and build trust and relationships with the citizens we serve,” said Public Information Officer Lauren Lekander. DCSO shared crime prevention tips and provided information about what the department does all in an effort to educate and humanize the men and women of the DCSO. Officers also distributed goodie bags with coloring books, crayons, pens, badge stickers, key chains and glow sticks.
For Lekander, her favorite parts of NNO included getting out and meeting Douglas County citizens, sharing stories and talking about what happens at the DCSO. “I love spending time with the kids,” said Lekander. “Seeing their faces light up as they explore our cars and equipment is always exciting to me.”
NNO is held on the first Tuesday in August, and residents can visit www.dcsheriff.net for more information.
