Join your neighbors and local law enforcement officials for the 5th annual Osseo Night to Unite on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 starting at 6:00 PM. The Osseo event is just one of many throughout the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Crime Prevention Association has partnered with communities throughout the State to celebrate and strengthen neighborhood and community partnerships. Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa and local law enforcement communities, including the City of Osseo Police Department and Fire Department.
Neighborhood groups can register with the Osseo PD to serve as official Night to Unite parties, allowing all residents the opportunity to meet and greet their neighbors. This year, the City of Osseo has seven registered parties spread all over the City. Each party is unique in how it celebrates Night to Unite (examples include BBQ’s, ice cream socials, live bands, kids events, and much more), but all have a common theme, bringing neighbors together for a fun evening.
The Minnesota Night to Unite was started in an effort to get to know one another in your neighborhood, to build neighborhood involvement by bringing Police Officers, Fire Officers and communities together, and to raise awareness of crime prevention and local law enforcement efforts.
The Osseo Police and Fire Departments team up to visit each registered party throughout the City, usually visiting with party goers for a half hour or so. Neighborhood children get the opportunity to meet their local Police and Fire members, take turns crawling inside the Police squad cars or Fire trucks, spray the water hose from the fire truck, and generally have a great time meeting these local heroes. This is a great opportunity for Osseo residents to get to know the individuals behind the badges on a more personal level.
The Night to Unite event has been a massive success, not only here in Osseo, but across the State of Minnesota. Last year there were seven registered parties with an estimated 300 people participating City wide. The Night to Unite event is not only beneficial to the citizens, but also for the City as everyone has an opportunity to come together through conversation and cooperation.
If you have any questions on this years Osseo Night to Unite, you can contact Osseo Police Department Officer Anthony Mortinson (amortinson@ci.osseo.mn.us or 763-424-5444).
Riley Grams, City Planner, City of Osseo
