Hundreds attend community gathering to stamp out crime

With enough tubular meat to feed an army, the Salvation Army doled out an estimated 1,000 hot dogs to hungry law-abiding citizens at Tuesday's National Night Out celebration.

"I thought the event was great," Vi Bibee, a Salvation Army social worker in charge of the hot dogs, said Wednesday. "I've lived here for a long time, and I have waited to see the (Carson City) Sheriff's Department get some 'hoorahs.' I think last night did it for them."

The celebration, which had the feel of a community picnic, was hosted by the Sheriff's Department. It was the first time in the 19 years of the program's existence that it was staged in Carson City.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

"The show of support from the agencies and from the community was more than the Sheriff's Office ever anticipated," said Sheriff Kenny Furlong.

Old friendships were renewed during the four-hour gathering, and new ones made, Chief Deputy Rick Keema said.

"Last night's event fully showed that the community wants to be involved with the Sheriff's Department and local law enforcement in helping to curb crime in the community," he said. "If you know who your neighbors are, you're going to know who belongs at their home and who doesn't belong there. You'll notice something out of the ordinary. You're more than likely to have a clue that something's gone awry."

Keema said the event could not have been possible without the help of the Nevada Office of Criminal Justice Assistance and dozens of volunteers in booths.

"We want to thank every agency and every person in the community that showed support," Furlong said.