Residents Party Against Crime - Burbank Participates in Long-Running National Night Out Against Crime for The First Time
By Roger Wilson/Photos by Roger Wilson

Greg Palmer believes one of the best aspects of the Burbank Police Department is its public image.

"They have a reputation of 'Don't mess around here,'" He said. "But unlike L.A., there are a lot of police officers who lie in the city and have a vested interested in the quality of life. And that is what keeps it high."

The Burbank resident spent Tuesday evening mingling with local police officers, firefighters, community members and other residents at Councilwoman Marsha Ramos' home on the 400 block of North Cordova Street during the 20th Annual National Night Out Against Crime.

It was the first time the city participated in the neighborhood-oriented social event, which included barbecues, youth activities and candlelight vigils throughout the city.

Burbank Police Chief Thomas Hoefel said the purpose was to promote crime awareness and prevention, neighborhood safety and to let criminals know citizens are united against crime.

"Events like this area a symbol of the difference in law enforcement now compared to how it was 20 or 30 years ago," He said. "Back then, the police seemed to know everything. Now, it is a team effort."

Ramos, who volunteered to host a barbecue as soon as she heard about the event, said she believes a safe environment is founded upon strong neighborly relations.

"My family and I take pride in our neighborhood, and we think that it is vital to gather together and stalk [about crime and safety issues] in order to build a stable environment," she said.

Almost 10,000 communities throughout North America, including Glendale, participated in last year's National Night Out, and more are expected this year, according to the event's Web site. The National Association of Town Watch and the Burbank Police Department and the local co-sponsors.

Community Resource Officer Vee Jones, who helped coordinate the event, said the police need residents as much as the residents need them to effectively stop crime.

"Because the community is the eyes and ears of the police department, they see and know more [than the police do]," she said. "That is why we need to foster lines of communications."

About 12 Burbank firefighters also visited the parties to help put a friendlier face on public-safety officials.

"We don't want people to ever shy away from the badge because it should also represent a shield to them," Burbank Fire Captain Rob Bell said.