National Night Out event Tuesday

The Carson City Sheriff's Office and the National Association of Town Watch are co-sponsoring the 28th Annual National Night Out, a crime and drug-prevention event from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Mills Park.

The theme for this year is "101 Days of Crime Prevention and Safety" which was conceived by Sheriff Ken Furlong to promote safety throughout the summer.

National Night Out is designed to heighten awarness of crime and drug prevention, build participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals "letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back," said DARE Officer Lisa Davis.

This will be the ninth year that the Carson City Sheriff's Office has participated.

"The most powerful community is an informed community," Sheriff Ken Furlong said in a press release. "We work to keep the community informed. We post information on our website ... not to cause alarm or fear, but so that citizens can be aware of trends in crime and take appropriate measures to protect themselves. An important point that we want to stress is if you see something that just doesn't look right - call it in. Your call is never wasted (and) it may deter or could help solve a crime."

At the park Tuesday will be representatives from the Carson City Sheriff's Office, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nevada Army Guard 991st Aviation Brigade, the Marine Corps and the Army. Other organizations participating are the Salvation Army, Partnership Carson City, Carson City Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Public Safety, U.S. Coast Guard, Boys & Girls Club, Mentor Center, Farmer's Insurance M.I.L.K. Program, and the Miss Carson City Scholarship Program. There will be music, free hot dogs (while supplies last), hands-on activities, and vehicle and equipment displays.

Additional costs for National Night Out are paid for the Carson City Sheriff's Office and through a federal grant.

National Night Out started in 1984 with 400 communities in 23 states, and 2.5 million Americans participating. In 2010, the event involved 36 million people in more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

"National Night Out is the single largest crime-prevention event held in Carson City," said Undersheriff Steve Albertsen. "We encourage everyone to come out and join us on August 2 - and turn your porch light on."

For more information, call Lisa Davis at Carson City Sheriff's Office, 775-887-2500, ext. 7809.2