Yonkers Police Department participates in National Night Out
All four precincts with the department participated in the event to promote police and community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood unity.
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The Yonkers Police Department participated in National Night Out on Tuesday.
All four precincts with the department participated in the event to promote police and community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood unity.
News 12 visited the 1st Precinct at Andrus Park to see how the community was celebrating.
National Night Out began in 1984 as a way to promote community camaraderie.
"This is a chance for the community to meet our officers and realize they're just another person in their community," said Lt. Detective Frank DiDomizio, with the Yonkers Police Department.
According to the Yonkers Police Department, this is the largest community outreach program it hosts.
For some, like TikTok creator and Yonkers resident Jerson Barragan, also known as @3.3jey, the night had a personal twist.
Barragan went viral last month for his comedic response to a Yonkers police video that offered escorts home.
"I saw the ad and I just wanted to make everybody laugh. Have a good time with the police officers since they're there for the community," said Barragan, whose videos have amassed millions of viewers.
Officials also took the time to address the video and what they meant by an escort home.
"We're talking about situations where people are uncomfortable, they need our assistance, or they're in dire distress," said Lt. Detective DiDomizio.
Lt. Detective DiDomizio advised anyone who does need non-emergency assistance to contact Yonkers Police Department's non-emergency number.
