The 79th Precinct's National Night Out

National Night Out Against Crime is an annual crime-fighting event that takes place across the country, encouraging neighbors to meet each other and the police officers who patrol their communities.

Yesterday, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, the 79th Precinct, led by Deputy Inspector Peter Bartoszek, Kim Best, Community Council President and 79 Pct. Community Affairs Officer Angela Ellerbee, celebrated its event for the Bed-Stuy community at Von King Park with free food, games, entertainment, music and dancing.

Officers stood over grills, flipping burgers -- some in uniform, some in plain clothes -- while others mingled with residents and their children.

Local elected officials and community leaders, such as City Councilmember Al Vann, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, District Leader Walter Mosely, Community Board 3 President Henry Butler and others came out to show their support.

Kids lined up for as long as they needed for their turn inside of one of those inflated jumpy things they love so much; teens enjoyed watching the dance contest and showing a few moves of their own, while one police officer even beguiled both children and parents with his card tricks.

For five hours, Bed-Stuy came together for a common cause-- to strengthen its commitment to making the neighborhood a safe place to live and grow.

But the obvious star of yesterday's event had to be a six-inch-high Chihuahua parading around in a pink-and-blue tutu, donning pearls on her collar!

Good vibes were all around.