Portsmouth Citywide Neighborhood Committee Plans Local Celebration of National Night Out on August 3, 2021

At its May 26 meeting, the Citywide Neighborhood Committee (CNC) announced that after consulting with City Health Officer Kim McNamara, Portsmouth will join more than 17,000 communities nationwide to celebrate the 38th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 (with a rain date of Tuesday, August 10.)

In discussions with Ms. McNamara, Fire Chief Todd Germain, Police Chief Mark Newport and Department of Public Works Director Peter Rice, as well as the national organizer for National Night Out, the CNC agreed that a few health and safety precautions would be in place for the event. In particular, because there are not vaccines yet available for children under 12, that interactions with fire, police and DPW equipment and staff should be limited to household groups. Physical distancing will also be maintained for special demonstrations and meetings with McGruff, The Crime Dog.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for the Police, Fire and Public Works employees who serve the City, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and community partnership. Throughout the evening, members of the public safety departments visit each neighborhood with one of their trucks and McGruff, the costumed mascot, so children can get to know their first responders. A specific schedule of the neighborhood visits will be announced closer to the event.

The Citywide Neighborhood Committee, is now distributing National Night Out registration forms to neighborhood representatives and volunteer organizers. Neighbors interested in hosting the event can also contact Larry Cataldo, CNC chair, at cncportsmouth@gmail.com for a registration form. The last time the event was held in Portsmouth, in 2019, 20 neighborhoods participated.