Community Celebrates National Night Out At The 66th Precinct With Rides, Petting Zoo, Chinese Dragons & More

It was nothing but blue skies and good vibes at the 66th Precinct’s National Night Out celebration in front of the precinct, which took over 16th Avenue from 60th to 58th streets with rides, a foam wading pool, a petting zoo, food, and a Chinese dragon dance performance for the event.

Not only were there lots of kids eager to feed the goats, or climb into the police van, but officers who’ve moved on to other assignments couldn’t keep away. Several current and former 66th Precinct staff told this reporter how happy they were — and are — working at the 66th, and would return if they could in the future.

In his brief comments, Captain Kenneth Quick, the commanding officer of the precinct, said the 66th appreciates the community it serves. He had heard good things about the 66th when he took over its command. But at Tuesday’s National Night Out event, he saw for himself the “outpouring of community support,” to which those comments referred.

The 66th, he suggested, should serve as a national model for police/community relations.

“This evening is a very, very big success,” he said, and thanked the community, his staff, the 66th Precinct Community Council, Community Board 12, and participating local organizations for making it happen. In particular, he named 66th Council President Mark Katz, CB 12 district manager Barry Spitzer, and the precinct’s community affairs staff: Detective Mike Milici, Officer Joe Vitella, and Officer Mike Riomao for their efforts in organizing the night.

While the kids were playing, the adults were schmoozing. Among the politicians who dropped by were Councilman Brad Lander and Mathieu Eugene; a delegation of Bangladeshi leaders consulted with Capt. Quick about a planned vigil for a man killed in Bangladesh and the upcoming Potho Mela Street Fair on McDonald Avenue at Avenue C this Sunday, August 9th, from 11 am to 8pm.

The line for bubble tea twisted around and round, and the kids—and their parents—watched the dragons cavort.

There were plenty of sideshows, enough to entertain almost everyone there.The Shomrim awarded Commander Quick a citation. Bangladeshi TV interviewed Kazi A. Hossain, the precinct’s community council treasurer. Meanwhile, inside the precinct Officer Stein was juggling phone calls, and in-person complaints:  a young woman reporting a lost passport, and another a lost wallet.