Don Abbott: Thanks to Fridley's Night to Unite Hosts

To the editor:

Hundreds of Fridley residents spent Tuesday evening, Aug. 2 with their neighbors as we observed . This year marks the 28th year that our neighborhoods have taken this opportunity to celebrate community. 

Night to Unite gatherings are held to provide neighbors an occasion to meet new residents, reacquaint with old friends, and meet their police neighborhood resource officers (NROs), City Council members, and Fridley firefighters. Party-goers are asked to take a few moments out of the evening to talk about safety issues. Connected neighborhoods—where residents know and watch out for each other—are one of our best ways of keeping our streets safe and peaceful. 

On behalf of the Fridley Police Department, I would like to personally thank the who willingly opened their home, yard or garage to their neighbors, Police department members, firefighters, and City Council members. Thanks also to everyone who attended a party, prepared a food dish to share or created a game for children to play. This partnership between the Fridley Police Department and our residents is extremely valuable in creating a sense of security and trust.

Finally, a special thanks to Bob’s Produce Ranch for donating fresh peaches for all of the parties and to Target for supplying volunteers and party supplies. 

—Donovan Abbott, Public Safety Director, Fridley Police Department