2023 National Night Out Against Crime brings hundreds to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Community parties with the 84th Precinct and has a blast

August 2, 2023 Mary Frost

84th Precinct officers form a solid blue line at Tuesday’s National Night Out Against Crime celebration in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle

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BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK — What a party! Hundreds of Brooklynites of all ages gathered at Pier Five in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Tuesday night to celebrate National Night Out Against Crime, presented by the 84th Precinct Community Council.

Food, performances, awards, games and fun competitions (including a hula hoop contest that showed that even some adults still have what it takes) showcased the partnerships between the 84th Precinct — led by Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana, the 84th’s Commanding Officer — local organizations and the community. Brooklyn officials joined in the fun, and good citizens received recognition for their efforts.

Thrilling drills by the Gowanus Wildcats, introduced by Julius Hudson, and P.S. 307’s Brooklyn Diamonds, introduced by Cheryl Gelbs, elicited enthusiastic applause from the large crowd.

P.S. 307’s Brooklyn Diamonds drill team put on a precision performance. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to build stronger relationships with our officers from the 84th Precinct,” said 84th Precinct Community Council President Mark Gelbs.

The event was one of about a dozen such gatherings across Brooklyn, meant to build positive relationships with the police and help make neighborhoods safer.

Honored were: John Kenny, receiving a Citation from Kristine Ryan, Deputy Commissioner of Management and Budget on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams; Howard Collins, who received a Civilian Commendation award from D.I. Adeel Rana; Annette Robinson, Ibrahim Sabri and Arvind Sindhwani, who all received Certificates of Appreciation; and Captain Yaser Salim, Commanding Officer of Transit District 30. This year’s Civilian Commendation Award went to Sidi “Omar” Diallo.

Also recognized were the 84th Precinct’s Explorers Troop 2084. A banner was created for them “to honor how much they do for our community,” Gelbs said.