Community Spirit Shines at Morton Grove’s National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 4, the Morton Grove Civic Center became a hub of community engagement as residents, supporters, first responders, and Village staff gathered for Morton Grove’s National Night Out. This event, marking its 11th year, was hosted by the Morton Grove Police Department to foster relationships between police officers and the community.

During the National Night Out, attendees had the opportunity to engage with Police Chief Mike Weitzel and other first responders in a relaxed environment. Weitzel highlighted the program’s origins in the mid-1980s, emphasizing its growth into an impactful national event. He pointed out, “It’s a chance for area residents to come out and meet their local police officers and firefighters, in a setting different from the stressful conditions when you might need to ask for help.”

The free event offered an array of activities from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., catering to all ages. Children enjoyed games, touch-a-truck exhibits, a firefighter hose simulator, rock climbing, inflatable obstacle courses, pony rides, and safety demonstrations. Live music, hot dogs, tacos, Kona ice, giveaways, and a raffle added to the festive atmosphere.

Morton Grove resident Kaila Leslie voiced her enthusiasm for the event: “We always enjoy National Night Out and wouldn’t miss the great block party and fun for our family and our kids while supporting the community.”

Community Liaison Officers Justin Jurasz and Sean Lang coordinated the event, underlining the importance of building strong relationships with first responders. Information tables hosted various community resources, including offerings from the Library, Park District, Public Works, and local organizations like the Cub Scouts and CIT Illinois Therapy K9 comfort dogs.

Educational opportunities included discussions from Glenview Public Safety Dispatch Center representatives on telecommunication roles, Animal Control Officer Kristin Smith’s advice on pet safety and vaccinations, and police demonstrations of drones used for law enforcement and emergency response. The fire department engaged children with hands-on demonstrations using a fire hose simulator.

Prominent attendees included Mayor Janine Witko, Trustees Connie Travis and Rita Minx, Village Clerk Eileen Scanlon Harford, and representatives from Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita’s office. Police Chief Mike Weitzel and Fire Chief Dennis Kennedy were also present.

Mayor Witko remarked on the event’s significance: “We are proud of the men and women of the Morton Grove Police Department and the relationships they are building with our residents every day — when neighbors come together outside of an emergency, those connections grow stronger, making Morton Grove an even safer and more welcoming place to call home.”

Reflecting on the event’s success, Weitzel credited the dedication of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Officer Sean Lang, serving for 14 years, appreciated the positive environment: “An event like National Night Out is a good way to see the smiling faces of our area residents, and to let them know Police Officers are people too, and to do this while having a good time in a positive environment.”

Gina Grillo contributed reporting for Pioneer Press.