Courtesy Photo | The bookbag fillers. From left to right, Security SGT Berry-Poblador and her daughter,...... read more read more
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. - Law enforcement personnel and community members gathered Aug. 4\, 2026\, at the Corvias Community Center for the annual National Night Out.
National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Established in 1984, the event has grown into a nationwide initiative.
Sgt. Latrina Brown of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Police Department planned and coordinated her ninth APG National Night Out.
“I would like to build a positive relationship with the community while showcasing the valuable resources available on the installation,” Brown said. “National Night Out is also about highlighting crime prevention and building trust.”
Brown began planning the event in January 2026, coordinating with installation organizations, vendors and volunteers while working the night shift for APGPD.
Brown made children a central focus of this year’s event by bringing back the Department of Emergency Services Back-to-School Book Bag Collection Drive. She placed collection bins in high-traffic areas around the installation. Other organizations also established donation points and brought their collections to the main collection site. The effort helped fill a truck with school supplies for local children.
At the Corvias Community Center, attendees had opportunities to interact with APG police officers, installation organizations and community partners. Cpl. C. Lewis hosted a Spin the Wheel game that combined educational activities with prizes for children.
Giveaways were available for adults and children, including firearm locks, vehicle window-breaker tools and other safety equipment. Additionally, a Christmas in August table distributed gifts to the community.
Installation and community organizations also provided information and activities, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Army Community Service, the APG Chapel, APG Fire and Installation Safety. Families also enjoyed snow cones and food from 1st Sgt.’s BBQ.
A military working dog demonstration was among the event’s highlights. The demonstration gave attendees an opportunity to observe the dogs’ training and interact with them between demonstrations.
During the demonstration, a handler gave commands to a military working dog as it pursued a person wearing a protective bite suit. Between demonstrations, the dogs interacted with attendees, drawing lines of children and adults eager to pet them.
The event gave Brown and APG police officers another opportunity to build relationships with the community. “The interaction from a young child was sincere and meant the most to me out of the entire evening,” Brown said. “It’s all about helping, and we accomplished that.”
APG Police put extra effort into conducting foot and mobile patrols in housing areas. Officers use foot patrols as an opportunity to engage with the community. They are sometimes seen playing basketball with children, teaching them skills on bikes or skateboards, or drawing a smiling sun in chalk on a driveway.
As the APG community grows, organizations are already looking ahead to next year’s National Night Out.
By CPT Stuart Cram, USAG APG HHC Commander
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2026 09:16 |
| Story ID: | 573752 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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