OBSERVER Photo by Jimmy McCarthy Dunkirk officers hand out prizes to children during Wednesday’s National Night Out at Washington Park.

They’re out protecting the community day and night throughout the year. But on Tuesday, officers and firefighters from the city took some time during the evening to have a little fun with children and families at Washington Park.

National Night Out in Dunkirk hit its 25th year Tuesday. Police Chief Dave Ortolano, who initiated the program in the city, couldn’t believe it’s been going on for so long.

“That’s a testament to this community and the citizens of the community,” Ortolano said upon arriving for the event.

Children were able to enjoy bounce houses, eat food and watch a movie during the evening. Officers were busy blowing up balloons, handing out small gifts and interacting with attendees. Ortolano said it’s a great, positive setting for officers to make connections with children of the community.

“We show them we’re human too and we do good things if we all come and work together as a community,” he said. “Maybe next week, next year, who knows 10 years from now they run into that officer again and they’re going to remember that and his name. Maybe we’ll have some future police officers come out of this as well.”

Ortolano’s efforts to keep National Night Out going for 25 years didn’t go unnoticed as several dignitaries and representatives came to Washington Park to deliver certificates of recognition. Proclamations came from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office, Mayor Willie Rosas, state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, state Sen. Cathy Young’s Office, Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello and U.S. Rep. Tom Reed’s Office.

Ortolano acknowledged that 25 years of National Night Out wouldn’t have been possible without Arlene Langendorfer, who’s helped to keep the program going, event coordinators, businesses and the community.

“Twenty-five years shows just how invested the citizens of this community are in wanting to be safe and wanting a better community,” he said.

Langendorfer noted that Dunkirk is one of a few communities that holds National Night Out. Langendorfer and fellow coordinators presented Ortolano with a blanket made out of T-shirts from prior National Night Out events.

“Without him, we wouldn’t be here,” she said. “It means so much to this community.”