Chippewa Part of National Night Out

On August 5, Chippewa National Forest employees joined with community members from Walker Minnesota to celebrate National Night Out.

On August 5, Chippewa National Forest employees joined with community members from Walker Minnesota to celebrate National Night Out. The event, organized by the Boys and Girls Club of Leech Lake and Walker Police Department, was held at the Walker City Park. The Office of Justice Programs and the Boys & Girls Club of America share an excellent partnership to support a crime prevention initiative that strengthens and creates partnerships among youth, law enforcement and local agencies.

The free event included a community picnic, face painting, inflatable jumpers, other youth activities, a dunk tank and a flight ambulance display. The Walker Fire Department showcased a fire truck and hovercraft, the Cass County Sheriff's Office provided a K-9 handler and had their Boat and Water Patrol and Dive Team on displays and the Chippewa National Forest brought a Type 6 engine, fire gear and Smokey Bear!

National Night Out is the nation's night out against crime. It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, local residents are encouraged to join with their neighbors to have an outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity - which is the first defense against crime. Research shows that when neighbors know each other and look out for each other crime goes down. National Night Out has been celebrated in cities and towns across the nation on the first Tuesday in August. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the annual event.