ROCHELLE — Law enforcement agencies in Rochelle and Byron are preparing for National Night Out events next week, giving residents a chance to meet police officers, firefighters and other first responders. The Rochelle event will be held Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Atwood Park, while the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office will host its event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. near the Byron Fire Department. Activities in Rochelle will include free food, Kona Ice, games, a scavenger hunt, a high school marching band performance, a helicopter landing, emergency vehicles and equipment displays.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian Van Vickle said the events help build relationships between residents and law enforcement.
“Anytime that you can interact with the community and the kids, especially in a fashion that’s always fun and inviting, as opposed to being potentially the worst day that they’ve had, it’s always a benefit. And it changes that dynamic when they do need law enforcement, and they know that we’re there to help,” Van Vickle said.
Rochelle Police Officer James Jakyimiw said National Night Out shows the importance of cooperation between residents and public safety agencies.
“National Night is just one night, but it helps showcase the importance of police and community partnerships and citizen involvement. Without the citizen involvement, we can’t do our job to the fullest ability. When law enforcement and local citizens work together, great things can definitely happen,” Jakyimiw said.
The event in Byron will also include recognition of Ogle County Sheriff’s Office employees with Deputy and Correctional Officer of the Year awards, along with a lifesaving award.