ROCHELLE — It was a night of music, food and fun, combined with live demonstrations and plenty of activities during the National Night Out hosted by the Rochelle Police Department Tuesday.

Police officers, dispatchers, and staff donated their time to provide car seat safety checks, assist with bike registrations, and enjoy the interaction with the public. Some donated equipment used during the displays. Rochelle Police Chief Eric Higby explained the event gives the opportunity to interact with the public on a different level.
“The National Night Out allows us to bolster our relationships with our citizens,” Higby said. “Taking every opportunity to build partnerships with the citizens is vitally important to us. Establishing trust and understanding helps us become more effective as law enforcers and educators.”

Demonstrations included K9 response along with taser use. Several youngsters enjoyed the up close and personal view from inside the department’s squad cars. Higby said the department is proud to be able to give these demonstrations to the public to allow an understanding of why a certain piece of equipment is used or perhaps why a tactic might be employed.
“I was appreciative of the efforts of the police department employees to make this a successful event,” Higby said. “The attendance for Tuesday’s event was outstanding, and we hope to continue that trend for next year’s event.”
Higby credits the involvement of the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, Burn N’ Bush, United Methodist Church, Ralfie’s BBQ, Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, the Rochelle Fire Department as well as the other city departments that all contributed to the event’s success.