On the evening of Tuesday, August 6, the Michigan City Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out at the Civic Plaza Lots in downtown Michigan City. This marked the second consecutive year that the police department has hosted this free event. The attendees, who primarily hailed from Michigan City, enjoyed free hotdogs, hamburgers, soda, and root beer floats throughout the day.
Michigan City Chief of Police Marty Corley believes the National Night Out event offers attendees a unique opportunity to meaningfully bond with others.
“This event is about the members of our ‘village’ showing each other who we are and establishing a mutual trust,“ Corley said. “When we, as law enforcement officers, can establish positive relationships with Michigan City residents, we can more effectively control and ultimately eliminate crime. I hope everyone leaves here today having met at least one new person, whether that‘s a police officer or fellow civilian. We plan to continue building up this event year after year and get more people involved. I‘d like to thank our sponsors, our residents, and the men and women of the Michigan City Police Department for their support and for coming out today.”
The event’s 30 community sponsors included Meijer, Horizon Bank, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and United Way of La Porte County. Representatives from such organizations as The Salvation Army, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) La Porte County, HealthLinc, Michigan City Rotary Club, Michigan City Area Schools, and the Unity Foundation of La Porte County set up tables and shared information with passing attendees.
Steven Forker, assistant chief of police and chief of operations at Michigan City Police Department, appreciates the low-pressure nature of the event.
“This is an opportunity for us to connect with members of the community in a relaxed setting,” Forker said. “Our interactions with the public typically take place during times of crisis. This event is a great way for all of us to enjoy each other’s company in a stress-free situation. We get to interact with Michigan City residents on a more personal level at this event. We want people to feel comfortable when they come to us in their time of need. This event does much to help break down those barriers between law enforcement and the community, which can also help put any harmful misconceptions to rest. We’ve had a lot of great support from our community sponsors, and that has helped us to make the National Night Out event bigger and better.”
DJ Dwight McMillon kept the atmosphere upbeat with a wide selection of classic party tunes. B&C Fury Mobile Laser Tag supplied a laser tag arena of inflatable obstacles where officers and civilians alike could go head-to-head in a battle of wills. Young attendees could get their faces painted, pick out a handmade balloon toy, or paint their own suncatcher.
Mayor of Michigan City Angie Nelson Deuitch believes the National Night Out is just as educational as it is fun.
“The National Night Out has been going on for decades now, and this is our second year of celebrating it in Michigan City,” Nelson Deuitch said. “I’ve enjoyed discussing its importance with other mayors. I think this an excellent opportunity for our residents to meet and interact with our officers, firefighters, and other first responders. It’s a fun way for civilians to meet the newest members of our police force, too. This event also educates the public on the different departments that rest within our police department. They can learn about our K-9 unit and even the mental health services we provide. I’m looking forward to seeing this event grow each year, and we’re excited to bring even more resources with every installment.”
The National Night Out Event featured several demonstrations of law enforcement tactics and gear. K-9 Lucky, K-9 Edo, and K-9 Ork as the onlookers looked on in fascination. Several police officers also demonstrated how drones are used in law enforcement and showed the attendees how a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit would force entry into a building. Sergeant Kyle Shiparski, Michigan City Police officer and commander of the La Porte County Drug Task Force, led his team in the cooking of the hamburgers and hotdogs at the event. He views the National Night Out as a significant factor in Michigan City’s development.
“Ever since I started working here 12 years ago, people have told me that Michigan City is a small town with a ‘big town’ feel,” Shiparski said. “Any time you bring the members of a growing community like this one together, it really brings everything into perspective. Residents get to learn the names and faces of the men and women who work day in and day out to protect them. Not only does this event promote community engagement with the police, but also with the other local organizations that are represented out here today. I think these intimate connections that are being formed will pay off excellently in the future.”
Please visit emichigancity.com to stay up-to-date on Michigan City’s upcoming announcements and events.
