National Night Out Brings Residents and First Responders Together for Fun, Safety, and Community Spirit

The Oak Brook Police Department held National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5 at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club. Supported by the Village of Oak Brook Community Engagement Committee, the event was a resounding success, and many Oak Brook residents turned out to strengthen the community partnership with the police department.

According to Chief Brian Strockis, “National Night Out is such an amazing evening to share with the community we serve.  The four pillars of the Oak Brook Police Department are proactive policing, technology, officer wellness, and community engagement.  This event emphasizes our commitment to community engagement, and we are always grateful for the tremendous support we receive from the residents of Oak Brook.” 

The evening began with the national anthem, expertly sung by Oak Brook Firefighter Glen Washington. 

Residents then enjoyed a variety of activities and demonstrations, including the always popular Touch-A-Truck, which utilized vehicles from the Village’s Public Works Department as well as Police and Fire Departments.  A live DJ, balloon artist, inflatable sports zone with basketball and axe throwing, a dunk tank, and even a hula hoop contest rounded out the evening’s fun. The event also featured multiple raffles, giving attendees several chances to win exciting prizes.

One of the evening’s highlights was a demonstration provided by Officer Andrew Franczak and K9 Ghost.  The pair showed off Ghost’s training and crime-fighting abilities to the large crowd of young families.  During the Q&A session, many children asked questions about Ghost’s life as a police dog, where he lives, what he eats, and how he smells out trouble. OBPD’s other canine officer, Pawfficer Bandit, was on hand as well, providing tail wags and cheer to all.

Another demonstration had all eyes turned to the sky as one of the police department’s drones, and one of the Village’s newest public safety tools, took flight over the crowd.

Village President Larry Herman added, “National Night Out at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis was the perfect setting to showcase the strong bond between our first responders and the community. The beautiful, family-friendly venue made it easy for young families and longtime residents alike to come together in support of our police department while enjoying a night of fun and connection. I know many especially enjoyed seeing our canine crimefighter, Ghost, in action and learning about how our drones are being used to enhance public safety.”

With the event’s relocation to the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, all Oak Brook residents in attendance were able to enjoy swimming in the pool as part of the festivities, and many enjoyed the opportunity to cool off.