RichmondSFBlog cub reporter David was on the scene last night at the annual National Night Out event at the Richmond District police station on 6th Avenue near Geary. The night was part of a nationwide event designed to develop partnerships between the police department and the community.
A record crowd of over 150 came by the station where they were treated to a BBQ meal that included hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken. Two horses from the Golden Gate Park paddock clopped by and the San Francisco Fire Department sent an engine truck as well as a surf rescue unit. Kids had a great time climbing on the rigs and romping inside the bouncy house that was set up.
Kids also enjoyed getting their faces painted by officers. “That had a bigger line than the cookies and desserts!” David said.
Tours of the Richmond District police station were a popular activity at the event, as neighborhood residents got to see where the bad guys get locked up, the officer’s roll call area, and the various offices in the station house.
The new Richmond District commander, Captain Keith Sanford, was one of the many official greeters at the event, welcoming the community to the station. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Richmond District Supervisor Eric Mar also stopped in to say hello.
San Francisco SAFE was also at the event, providing information on ways that neighbors can work together to prevent crime in their area.
David said this year’s event had many more officers on hand and the highest attendance he had seen in recent year. One visiting commander remarked this was the biggest turnout and participation they had seen in their stops to the various stations across the city.
Thanks to the men and women of the Richmond District police station for providing such a fun community event!
Sarah B.
It was so much fun and I am happy that my son came home saying he wanted to be a fire fighter, a police man or luke skywalker when he grew up! I only wish it were more then once a year so that he could have more positive role models to see. 🙂
Looks like fun, wish I could have been there. I’d love to take a tour of the station!
(and hi, Sio!)
Whoever it was who did the facepainting was AWESOME!
Dear Rachel, I sit on the Richmond stations Community Police Advisory Board and you are welcome to tour the station. I’m not sure if they still have organized weekly tours but call the station or email the captain and you will be welcome to tour the station. I think you will be amazed (I was) to see that our police are working in offices and equipment that look like they date to when “Bonanza” and “Ed Sullivan” were the #1 shows on TV…okay, maybe “Miami Vice.” Truly horrible conditions, about 30 years out of date. Pretty shocking.
Thanks, Sue! I will get in touch with them when I have some spare time.
Great tip!