Mayor Daley and others are impassioned about crime and safety during National Night Out in Chicago's 14th Police District

 

"Why is it that Americans kill more Americans every year in the USA? How many young people are injured with spinal cord and head injuries that they have to live with for the rest of their lives? We need to face reality, " stated Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley during the 14th Police District's 2010 National Night Out in Humboldt Park.

Daley went on to say, with a great deal of passion, "It is... (time)... to realize that these are your children and it is your problem.  It is not the problem of the Chicago Police Department.  No more blaming anyone... The way to fight (this situation) is to have more Maggie Martinez's.  It can be anyone of any age who will say, 'my children are worth saving.'  They can go to the zoo, they can go to church, they can go to the park, they should not have to pass drug dealers and gang bangers. This is my family, this is my block, this is my church, this is my soul, this is my heart...Let's stand arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder and say 'This is enough.'"

 

Maggie Martinez was then introduced by Roberto Maldonado, Alderman of the 26th Ward.  A community activist and leader in Humboldt Part for more than twenty years, Martinez, President and Executive Director of the Block Club Federation is a retired  school community representative for the Board of Education who has taught religious classes for more than thirty years.

She thanked all the volunteers who were helping during the event but also every day in the community. Then she encouraged everyone to be involved in working together to make a better, safer community. She reminded everyone that there is a long list of things needed for many in the community.

Commander Linda Flores of the 14th Police District first thanked the Mayor, Police Superintendent Jody Weis and political officials for their participation. Then she pointed out that National Night Out has been an annual event nation wide since 1984 and that it helps strengthen relationships between the police, local officials and the community.

After honoring members of the armed services and the National Guard Bravo Battalion of Aviation Support's Captain Miguel Cisneros who is also an officer in the 14th Police District, officer Julio Velgara and other personnel in District 14, Flores went on to thank all the community members for their participation and support.

"Crime is down in the 14th district.  I know this is a shared accomplishment... but there is so much more that we can do. This code of silence must be broken.  When something happens in the community that you know is wrong, say something...tell someone.  Information is powerful. Sharing information empowers us all. If you have information about a crime tell a police officer, tell a crossing guard, tell a community member, tell a member of the parent patrol or tell someone at your church that you trust.  We must set an example for our children so that they know that they can count on us to speak out, that we are not afraid when something is wrong. Police officers in 14th district are ready and willing to listen to what you have to say."

 

Chicago Superintendent of Police Jody Weis, in an interview prior to the program, emphasized the importance of people using whatever method they are most comfortable with in reporting crime.  Whether they make a direct phone call to the police, a teacher or principal or church clergy. It is important to report even the smallest piece of information about a crime. You never know when that one small piece of information can be helpful in the bigger picture."

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about this event: Helicopter and motor vehicle story ; 13th and 14th Districts