Kane County Reporter

Trustees celebrated the hard work and dedication its police officers put towards building strong relationships with the community after it placed first for its National Night Out events. 

Members of the Bartlett Police Department were recognized by the trustees during their February 21 meeting. 

"The community showed up in record numbers to all of our national Night Out events, including our dog Walker Watch Summer Social, the touch a truck and car seat event, our family fun night, skate park bash, and pool party, over 18 different block parties and family golf events. And of course, the grand finale, our picnic in the park," Bartlett Police Sgt. Greg Milos said during the meeting. "The Bartlett Police Department would like to thank the Village Board of Trustees and Mayor Wallace for your continued support and generosity in organizing this successful event that impacts our community on such an elite level."

National Night Out is an organization aimed at repairing and enhancing the relationship between police and the community they are sworn to protect and serve through fun events and other initiatives. It's celebrated on the first Tuesday in August across the country. Sgt. Milos said Bartlett had placed first out of the 22 cities in the nation competing for the title. It was the second time in a row Bartlett had taken home the top spot, something that hasn't happened before in National Night Out history. 

Milos said it was the village's 29th annual National Night Out event, and the big 30th-anniversary celebration would be held this summer. He credited officers on the department's crime prevention unit for being the masterminds behind all the events. The 30th-year festivities kick off on July 15th, with the finale picnic on August 1. The department hopes even more people turn out this coming year so it can come in first for the third year in a row. The village of Bartlett was awarded a large trophy to commemorate their success with the program.

Trustees also recognized some of the local Girl Scouts in the community for reaching certain achievements and some middle school girls who received their Silver Awards and are on their way to earning the Gold Award in high school. They put in over 50 hours of community service through projects with animal shelters or foster homes and children. There were also some younger Girl Scouts who earned their Bronze award, a similar project with at least 20 hours of service to the community, this time earned through supply drives for younger elementary students.