Milwaukee's Southside National Night Out Draws Hundreds To Event

Law enforcement, public officials and community gathered for the 11th Annual Southside National Night Out at Kosciuszko Park.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 4, 2015

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, hundreds of residents and children, including local and county law enforcement agencies and the fire department gathered at the Milwaukee County Kosciuszko Park, 2201 S. 7th Street to celebrate the 11th Annual Southside National Night Out. Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy Romo West who represents most of the Latino community said during the opening ceremony, that people not to be afraid to call police when needed in emergencies. 

The Southside National Night Out has been a huge event where hundreds of local residents and children get to spent an afternoon with police, Milwaukee County deputies, 1st responders and other law enforcement officials including members from the fire department.

A collective partnership between the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office makes the event a success and the neighborhood safer, according to organizers. 

Complimentary blue t-shirts, food and beverages were given out to those attending. A live band and D.J. Ramzilla Monk provided the entertainment during the event.

A neighborhood resident, Paul Grippe was recognized by Alderman Pérez and Supervisor Romo West for his years of volunteer work with the 2nd Police District Station and community. The citations awarded to Grippe and several other award recipients were provided by Supervisor Romo West's Office.

Supervisor Romo West stated, "Our attendance is only for adults only and was at 575. Those are only adults who registered to eat. We bought 1800 hot dogs and they were all gone. The awards were to Paul Grippe, District 2 Block Watch Council Representative recognizing him as "Community Champion" and then then another award for Mary Crazy Thunder. She cleans the park and lagoon everyday. The last was for Dennis Fengler who was an Auxiliary Officer for D2 and passed away this past year."
Those attending were Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, 2nd Police District Captain Alfonso Morales, Milwaukee Aldermen José Pérez, 12th District and Bob Donovan, 8th District, Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy Romo West, 12th District, John Dargle Jr., the Milwaukee County Parks Director, Milwaukee County Sheriff Captain Leslie Wachowiak and U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore spoke at the event.

Video: WI: Milwaukee's 11th Annual Southside National Night Out 2015 at Kosciuszko Park https://youtu.be/BoXkUeXs73o