Over two nights, on Monday and Tuesday, Boston police were joined by firefighters, emergency workers and city leaders to celebrate in 12 neighborhoods.
On Monday, celebrations were held in Roxbury, Brighton, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain. On Tuesday, the celebrations were held in the Dorchester, South Boston, Chinatown, the South End, the North End and East Boston.
Heather Diehl/For The Boston Globe
In the North End, on a breezy night, law enforcement showed no signs of fatigue as members of the police, fire departments and emergency services, welcomed families to the festivities.
Free pizza, ice cream, balloon art, face painting and was part of the fun. Children took turns playing with animals in a mini petting zoo.
“Officer Copper,” the Boston Police Comfort Dog, greeted visitors.
A deejay blasted track and residents stopped at booths to get information about healthcare, children’s track lessons and other services availabe in the neighborhood.
It was also a chance to speak with local police.
“They’re part of this community,” John Pregmon, president of North End Cares, which helped to organize the event. “We’re both focused on the same thing, how can we make the North End better and safer.”
In a speech, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden thanked first responders but emphasized the importance of community partnerships and collaboration.
“You’re the reason we do what we do,” Hayden said, speaking to dozens of residents. “But you’re also the reason we’re successful in what we do.”
In an interview, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said National Night Out is an opportunity to acknowledge residents who help law enforcement keep the city safe.
“We ask them for so much, to partner with us to provide public safety.” Cox said. “This is an opportunity to go around the city and say ‘Thank You,” to all the residents that work so hard to keep the city safe.”
Danny Coakley, who has lived in the neighborhood for four years, said the North End “full of passion.”
“You won’t meet a group of individuals more invested in their community,” Coakley said.
“An engaged community is a safe community,” Cox said.
Coakley believes police in the North End help the community as much as neighbors help each other.
“They really do a good job of making themselves visible and really want to make sure that they are available to any of the community organizations,” Coakley said.
Mayor Michelle Wu arrived to greet residents. The city’s National Night Out celebration brought together kids, seniors and others to get to know their neighbors.
“Boston is a city that sees safety not only as numbers and statistics and charts, but as community,” Wu said in an interview. “We’re all in this together to keep our communities safe.”
Sharon Verrocchi, who was born and raised in the North End, attended to show her support for law enforcement.
“I love the cops. They do a great job,” Verrochi said.
Michelle Topor chatted with her friend, Mary Ann D’Amato, about the joys of seeing the neighborhood come together.
Topor, who has lived in the North End for 54 years, said “I’m blessed to be able to be here. I could never be anywhere else.”
D’Amato, who’s lived in the neighborhood for 62 years, agreed saying she feels “very safe here.”
Camille Bugayong can be reached at camille.bugayong@globe.com.
About the Author
