National Night Out safety event today at Mills Park

The Carson City Sheriff's Office is taking part in the 26th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event, 5-8 p.m. today at Mills Park.

"The most powerful community is an informed community. We post information on our Web site - including statistics from the Uniform Crime Reporting - not to cause alarm or fear, but so that citizens can be aware of trends in crime and take appropriate measures to protect themselves," said Sheriff Ken Furlong. "An important point that we want to stress is if you see something that just doesn't look right, call it in. Your call is never wasted. It may deter or could help solve a crime."

Lisa Davis, juvenile services coordinator and DARE officer, said the line-up for this year's event includes representatives from the Carson City Sheriff's Office, Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration and Nevada National Guard.

There will be free hot dogs, music, hands-on activities and vehicle and equipment displays.

"Citizens are invited to turn their porch lights on, lock their doors and spend the evening at Mills Park with law enforcement, public safety agencies and their neighbors," said Davis in a news release.

National Night Out started in 1984 with 400 communities in 23 states, and 2.5 million Americans participating. The 25th annual National Night Out in 2008 involved 37 million people in 15,449 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

This is the eighth year the Carson City Sheriff's Office has held the community gathering.