Buffalo, NY - On Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, Mayor Byron W. Brown, Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood and the Buffalo Police Department made stops at a number of National Night Out events and activities in the City of Buffalo. National Night Out is held the first Tuesday in August in cities across the country.
“National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity to bring City residents together with the men and women who protect them,” said Mayor Brown. “We know that the best way to build an even safer Buffalo is to know your neighbors and your surroundings. My Administration has long supported and continues to support initiatives, like National Night Out, that enhance that cooperation.”
The 35th annual nationwide celebration of neighborhood unity, which took place in more than 16,000 communities across America, is aimed at building neighborhood camaraderie, while reinforcing relationships between residents and local police and fire personnel.
Throughout the City, over 100 block clubs and community organizations hosted events where residents interacted with members of the Buffalo Fire Department and Buffalo Police Department in order to learn more about safety, crime prevention and neighborhood revitalization. Mayor Brown and Commissioner Lockwood visited the Martha Mitchell Center, where they were joined by Deputy Commissioner Joe Gramaglia, Police K-9 Units, and the Buffalo Police Neighborhood Engagement Team. BPDNET, a new initiative launched by the Mayor in June, aims to broaden and enhance police-community communication and relations. Members of BPDNET are working with block club leaders to devise new strategies that foster a more open dialogue between residents and police.
Since 2006, the Brown Administration has remained committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents by investing in strategic public safety and anti-crime initiatives that have steadily decreased crime citywide. Some of the innovative and resourceful tools Mayor Brown has implemented to give residents more avenues to easily and effectively connect with city departments and each other include:
- 311 and the City’s new website www.buffalyny.gov
- Monthly Meetings between police and the community
- BPD FB Page, Twitter, Confidential Tip line (call or text 847-2255)
- Safe Cam and Nextdoor, prescription drug drop off boxes at each District Police Station
Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo, Deputy Fire Commissioners Shannon Street and Ramon J. Suarez as well as representatives from the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Leadership, and representatives from the Police Athletic League of Buffalo were also in attendance at the National Night Out kickoff event in Buffalo. At National Night Out events in Buffalo, Mayor Brown distributed fun give-aways to our City’s youngest residents, including bike helmets, Child Identification Kits, Junior Police Badges, and National Night Out coloring books about city departments and services.