National Night Out Unites Police, Residents and Safety

Linda Kohnen was standing next to a smoking barbeque on the hottest day of the summer so far. 

She was serving hamburgers and hotdogs to residents of New England Town in Oakville for their National Night Out celebration, an event designed to raise awareness for neighborhood safety. 

"National Night Out brings people out and you get to know people on your block, not just on either side of you," she said. "Everyone can help keep each other safe just by being observant."

More than 50 residents of the neighborhood trickled through the area, which included outdoor games, drinks and food. Kohnen is the subdivision's Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and organized the event with the help of her brother, Mike Knipp. 

"We have a police officer right in our neighborhood and he's just been phenominal getting vehicles here," she said. 

Kohnen was talking about Officer Mike Schira with the South County Precinct. Schira and other members of the precinct came out to talk to residents about public safety. Members of the Crime Scene Unit, K-9 Unit and Tactical Operations Team were also there. 

New England Town was not the only area subdivision to partake in the national event. Evergreen in Mehlville had more than 75 people come out for a luau-themed safety night and Occasions Party Place in Lemay hosted nearly 25 people for music and prizes. 

Sen. Jim Lembke came out to speak with constituents about their concerns with crime. 

"It's very important for each neighborhood to look out for each other," he said. 

County Councilman Steve Stenger also stopped by the Lemay and Evergreen celebrations.

"The group charged with safety are the police," he said. "It's great to be in the same room with police and citizens to discuss issues. Especially in unincorporated St. Louis County, it's me and the police handling the day-to-day for the residents. We're extraordinarily lucky to have them in the community."