National Night Out - Rockville Style

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What a night – everywhere you turned in Rockville there were neighbors, firefighters, police, City staffers, elected officials, food and always children and dogs. I love National Night Out. This night is a night I look forward to every year, and once again Aug 4 did not disappoint.

National Night Out officially began in 1984 and has grown since then:


“National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

National Night Out grew to become a celebration beyond just front porch vigils and symbolic efforts amongst neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.”

In Rockville, we have embraced the concept of National Night Out wholeheartedly. Instead of one event, or even a handful of events, we had approximately 25 events around neighborhoods, Civic Associations, HOAs and churches across the city.

The Mayor, I,  and several Councilmembers went to approximately 12 of these events – driven across the City by RCPD’s new Police Chief Jason West.  It was fantastic seeing the different character of the gatherings varying from neighborhood to neighborhood. If there was a constant though it was the sense of community and of acceptance. There was an openness to meeting new friends, making neighbors and building a connectedness with the police, fire fighters, each other and elected officials.

If I did not get to an event near you - it was only because there were so many events that we simply ran out of time. We started at a little after 5 and I think we drove up to our last event around 10:30 or so.

The good news is – you can be sure we will be doing National Night Out in 2026. I hope to see you out in the neighborhood for what promises to be another excellent National Night Out in Rockville.












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