As National Night Out draws near, it is important for me and all citizens to participate in this wonderful night of fellowship and partnership against crime in our community.

Being a lifelong resident of Suffolk, I have witnessed the transformation of rural communities into a thriving city and leader in the Hampton Roads Region. However, with a transformation such as ours often comes increased crime and undesirables aiming to destroy our quality of life and that of our youth.

National Night Out is the event to help prevent this from happening. It has been proven that when we, as a community, focus together on a common goal, great things happen.

National Night Out is the perfect time for communities to take a stand against crime in our city. A high level of support of National Night Out sends a strong message to undesirables that Suffolk is not the place for you. We will fight against crime and will not allow it to grow in our communities.

So come on, Suffolk! Let’s stand together on Aug. 3 to support National Night Out and rid our streets of crime. It works!