Wilson Point Celebrates National Night Out

Michelle and Bill Megher know their 4-year-old daughter, Kiera, is at an impressionable age.

The Meghers want Kiera to know not to talk to strangers, but also that it's OK to approach a police officer or a firefighter if she is in trouble. That is part of the reason the Middle River family ventured out to Wilson Point Park Tuesday night to participate in activities.

“We’re trying to teach Kiera that it’s OK to trust a police officer or a firefighter if she is lost or in trouble and for whatever reason we’re not there,” Michelle Megher said. “Coming out to an event like this is a great way to learn that lesson because everyone is very approachable.”

The Wilson Point Park event was one of 30 National Night Out gatherings that took place in Baltimore County and one of thousands that took place nationwide.

Law enforcement agencies hope communities used National Night Out's 28th anniversary to show how much they support police and care about safer streets and reducing crime.

According to a Baltimore County Police Department news release, more than 37 million people in more than 15,000 communities nationwide came together last year to strengthen the police-community partnership against crime.

Wilson Point Community Association member Judy Taylor organized Tuesday’s event.

The event included children’s games, representatives and animals from the , a musical performance from and there were plenty of chances for residents to interact with police officers from the Essex Precinct and firefighters from , Middle River Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Co. and the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department.

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Councilwoman Cathy Bevins, police Chief Jim Johnson and State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger also attended the event. Employees from the Middle River were also on hand to hand out snacks and drinks as well as raffle off several backpacks for children getting ready to head back to school.

“It’s just a great way for the community to come together and talk in an informal gathering about issues facing our neighborhoods today,” Taylor said.

Officer Natalie Bakhsh, of the Essex Precinct, said National Night Out is a great tool for those in law enforcement to engage in conversation with residents while also educating the community on resources and programs available to them through the police department.

Bakhsh used the evening to promote the Essex Precinct’s Police Community Relations Council and the police department’s Explorer program, which serves as an introduction into law enforcement for those between 14-20 years old.

“Local citizens play a big role in assisting us in fighting crime,” Bakhsh said. “National Night Out helps us build trust with those who we serve on a daily basis.”