EVANSTON, Ill. () — Families, neighbors and local law enforcement came together in Evanston on Tuesday for National Night Out, a community-focused evening filled with games, activities and one crowd-pleasing highlight: a chance to dunk the city’s police chief.
The annual event, designed to build stronger relationships between police and the public, transformed the space outside the Evanston Police Department into a lively neighborhood gathering.
Among the most popular stops was the dunk tank, where residents lined up for their shot at sending the police chief splashing into the water.
“I thought you liked me!” the chief joked after taking a plunge.
Parents said the night gave children a relaxed way to meet police officers and first responders in a setting far removed from emergencies.
“We’re having a really nice time. We got to see the chief dunked in the dunk tank, which was really fun,” attendee Adam Kahn said.
His daughter, Lizzie Kahn, said the evening was memorable for her, too.
“I really like getting a lollipop and watching the Chief get dunked,” she said.
Attendee Thomani Klamm said the event’s block-party atmosphere felt right at home in Evanston.
“We love block parties. I feel like that’s quintessential Evanston summer is going to a block party,” Klamm said.
The community-building effort extended beyond Evanston. Chicago police held National Night Out events in all 22 police districts, with Interim Superintendent Fred Waller and Mayor Brandon Johnson in attendance. In Burr Ridge, children hopped aboard a miniature train as families gathered for an evening of food, fun and face-to-face time with first responders.
Klamm said events like National Night Out help children become familiar with police officers before they encounter them during an emergency.
“That’s so important to me as a mom, because if they see a familiar face or see someone they’ve known from a friendly activity, like, they’re more likely to respond,” she said.
Evanston police officers said relationship-building remains a key part of their work.
“We’re in the business of people like this is what we do is work with people, connect with people. Is it our job to understand people? So, to be able to have people at our house in this way is special and significant,” Sgt. Enjoli Daley said.
Sgt. Tosha Wilson said strong relationships between police and residents benefit the entire community.
“When you have great connection with your police department and the police department with the community, it’s an automatic win,” Wilson said.
Organizers said they hope the conversations and connections made during National Night Out continue long after the event ends, helping turn familiar uniforms into familiar faces.
