Pubdate: Sun, 22 August 1999 Source: Washington Post (DC) Copyright: 1999 The Washington Post Company Address: 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20071 Feedback: http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/edit/letters/letterform.htm Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ Author: Frederick E. Davis, Charles County Sheriff, La Plata THANKS FOR GREAT NIGHT OUT On behalf of the men and women of the Charles County sheriff's office, I wish to once again extend my appreciation and sincere thanks to all the citizens who participated in and supported National Night Out 1999. I personally wish to commend all the neighborhood coordinators and volunteers who devoted many hours in planning and supporting this annual crime and drug prevention community event. National Night Out 1999 was an unqualified success with more than 70 neighborhoods in Charles County participating. Over 7,500 Charles County residents came out on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 3, to enjoy the company of their neighbors in this annual goodbye party to crime, drugs and violence. Our 16th annual National Night Out achieved its goals of building neighborhood unity and fostering positive police-community partnerships in our fight against crime. This sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Together, Charles County residents and law enforcement are making a loud statement: We will stand together against crime, violence and drugs in our neighborhoods. . . . [The letter then expressed appreciation to more than 60 local businesses, agencies and civic groups that helped sponsor and organize National Night Out activities.] Frederick E. Davis, Charles County Sheriff, La Plata - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D