Local law enforcement and firefighters were out in force Tuesday night, not for an emergency, but to visit with the many neighborhoods in Becker, Clear Lake and Santiago Twp. holding Night to Unite (NTU) events.

NTU is a statewide celebration that takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. The goal of the event is to celebrate and strengthen neighborhoods and community partnerships, particularly between residents and their local law enforcement.

The event encourages residents to get out into their community, hold block parties and get to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention.

Becker neighborhoods organized a number of Night to Unite parties, including the six events Becker Law Enforcement visited at Woodbriar Apts., Garden Drive, 17th Circle (Autumn Ridge), Monroe Drive, Julia Lane and Charles Lane (Natures Edge).

Along with Becker Police Chief Brent Baloun and other police officers, Fire Chief Doug Kolbinger and members of the fire department also visited the neighborhoods. Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram, Council Member Rick Hendrickson, Council Member Mike Doering, City Administrator Greg Pruszinske and State Rep. Shane Meckland also rode along.

There were two events going on in Clear Lake, including one at the Hunter Lake Bluffs neighborhood organized by resident Kristin Brandt. Along with Mayor Tim Goenner, representatives from the Clear Lake Fire Dept. were in attendance and brought along a fire truck and fire and rescue vehicle for kids to check out.

Sherburne Co. Sheriff Joel Brott also stopped by to introduce himself, the sheriff’s office and their new website. He provided attendees an informational handout and spoke about calls for service in the previous year and the new laws that have gone into effect. 

He encouraged everyone to call about any suspicious activity they notice, and to use 911 if they don’t know the sheriff department’s phone number.

Santiago Twp. also hosted a Nite to Unite event with pulled pork sandwiches and door prizes for attendees, both supplied by the Santiago Lions. 

“As you know, the Night to Unite event is held for the purpose of getting neighbors to get to know each other,” said Chief Baloun. “Knowing each other benefits the safety of the neighborhood and ultimately our community with people being more involved. When we know our neighbors, we can better recognize and watch for things in our neighborhoods that stand out, are out of place, or don’t belong. When this happens or is recognized people address the issues, which could be calling 911 and involving law enforcement.”

Baloun shared that the police department really enjoys the event as a way to further connect with the community.

“When people get to know their police department, as in our case last night through meeting with and chatting with the officers, people develop more trust and less apprehensiveness about contacting law enforcement,” he said. “We appreciate the opportunity to speak with folks in a non-intrusive and less formal atmosphere.”

He added that going into neighborhoods gives the police department an opportunity to speak with people they may not otherwise have an opportunity to speak to, which benefits everyone.

“It’s all about strengthening the safety of our community and events such as Night to Unite help us work toward that,” said Baloun. “We especially appreciate the support demonstrated toward law enforcement and public safety. I couldn’t be more pleased with the response we received at each party; it was great!”

Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa and local law enforcement communities. For more information visit mncpa.net.