CARSON CITY -- The Carson City Sheriff’s Office received an early Christmas present after being notified it has received national "Outstanding Citizen Participation” recognition for its 2012 National Night Out crime, drug and violence special prevention event held in August.

The theme "Safe Summer Nights” was Undersheriff Steve Albertsen’s idea. In this community National Night Out celebrates as the culmination of all the law enforcement and public safety initiatives conducted throughout the year that address crime and drugs. These initiatives include daily activities that enhance the quality of life for individuals and our community.

According to the Award Letter from the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the event involved 37.5 million people in 15,700 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. According to the National Night Out Award Winners List for 2012, there were only 185 awards issued to 5 different population categories and 5 special categories that include the U.S. Military, a state award, and All Stars. Carson City is listed sixth in the nation in the community-size category which is the highest ranking we have ever received, and appears to be the only community to receive recognition in the state of Nevada.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said, “along with all of the community wide support that we are thankful for, all of the public safety entities, service organizations and wellness partners, including Partnership Carson City, have been instrumental in this achievement.

This years federal congressional representatives, and our friends at the Nevada Air National Guard, Nevada National Guard, as well as Recruiters from the U.S. Marine, Navy and Air Force made it particularly special. We have many opportunities in Carson, opportunities that improve the quality of life of both the community and individual. It is a great pleasure each August to see all of the efforts and enthusiasm of this town all coming together in our most beautiful Mills Park centered on prevention and education.”

Carson City Sheriff’s Office celebrates National Night Out as the culmination of all the law enforcement and public safety initiatives conducted throughout the year that address crime and drugs. These initiatives include daily activities that enhance the quality of life for individuals and our community. “Everyone works daily to make Carson City a safe place,” said Undersheriff Steve Albertsen. “Every year our event keeps growing and gets better. We appreciate our sponsors and all of the partners that help make this event successful.” There were over 150 exhibits, 8,000 people attended, and the number of sponsors that helped dramatically increased.

National Night Out heightens crime and drug prevention awareness, community safety and, strengthens police-community partnerships. Deputy Lisa Davis said, “I never cease to stand amazed at our community. This award is about our community. It is a delight to share the award with this community. The relationship we continually develop with the community of Carson is the greatest evidence of police-community partnerships I have ever experienced. We unexpectedly lost some corporate sponsorships. The community heard about the situation and came to our rescue with tremendous response. It was deeply gratifying and very humbling to see how many people wanted to help do something positive. ”

This year Carson City Sheriff’s Office introduced the DARE America Youth Advisor Ema Terriquez to the community. Sheriff Furlong announced, “”This girl is going some place. She is the perfect example of how our prevention programs work and why we should continue to invest in prevention!” The DARE program also introduced the community to a new youth leadership program called the Stellar Squad who conducted a “Good Guy Choices” activity. The Sheriff’s Office also introduced newest K-9 and the Traffic Unit.

In Carson City this event would not have been possible without the sponsors including Grocery Outlet, Northern Nevada Coin, Kemp’s Fun Jumpers, Downtown Business Association, Lakeside Properties, Dan Kimm Rock It Productions, Dave’s Supplies, Lakeside Construction, Elks Lodge #2177, Carson City Target, Benson’s Feed, Country Financial, East to West Embroidery, Liz’s Biz, and YOGO Frozen Yogurt. Carson City Sheriff’s Office thanks each and every sponsor and encourages everyone to thank these business owners who made the event and award possible.