The Magic Of Community At the 10th Precinct’s National Night Out

BBQ grills served up fresh hot dogs, tasty hamburgers, and potato salad with mustard and ketchup as Chelsea’s celebrated of the National Night Out Against Crime in the 10th precinct at the NYCHA-operated Fulton Houses on Aug. 4.

The event which is celebrated in every precinct in the city ties into the 43rd annual national celebration which is intended to function as a community bridge between police and the local community.

As the sun peaked out on the horizon between two buildings, the sectioned off street was filled with the sounds of kids laughing in an inflatable bouncy house, face paint artists drawing fun designs, and a band grooving into the night as the sun lowered in the sky.

The purpose of this event was to create a strong mutual connection between neighbors, community members, and local businesses to feel supported and establish safety. There were booths set up for the Drug Enforcement Agency, Salvation Army, and New York City Law Department Family Court Division, among others.

Captain Timothy E. Wong, commanding officer of the 10th Pct. told Chelsea News, “I feel like I have a very close relationship especially with the housing projects over here. We have a meeting every month. Crime is down almost 10 percent so far.”

He is presiding over a precinct that has seen crime in the seven major categories tracked by Compstat fall 8.65 percent in the first nine months of the year. While there have been 15 rapes, two more than a year ago in the same period, crime in the other six major crime categories were down, including a 30.9 percent drop in the number of robberies.

At the moment, Wong the 10th precinct is focusing a lot of their time on vehicle safety as reports of deadly e-bike crashes have alarmed locals. Wong said, “vehicle safety is definitely our number one. Traffic safety is very important to us. A lot more people are riding e-bikes. There is so much traffic in New York City.”

As Wong spoke with Chelsea News, he motioned toward the band and said, “you can hear the music. [It is] fantastic. There are a lot of kids that live over here too. That is why we do face painting and other activities. We’re here to serve the community. We are just trying to make them happy. It is the partnership between the NYPD and the community.”

“I really do love helping people. It gives me a sense of joy when I can make someone’s day. If I can help someone, I’ll go above and beyond.” He added, “nothing beats a smile on someone’s face when you actually help them out.”

Community members also echoed the police captain’s comments. A 66-year-old woman selling her used clothing at a discounted price “I love people and I like to give. I’ll give it to them for free. I had a leather jacket and it was brand new. My leather jacket was over $100.” The woman stood in front of her collection which included all sorts of clothing like t-shirts and boots.

She began selling her clothing at the Fulton Street Night Out in 2021. She said, “I’m not rich. I’m trying to make a little.” She found this to be an alternative to donation where she can both give back and help support herself at the same time.

She said that for people who attend and see a friendly face year after year, it is nice for people to recognize her face year after year and know that there are people in the community who care.

One of the biggest draws to the event was the music of The Stage Revolution Band that performs a range of music such as classical R&B, soul music, dance music, pop rock, jazz, and Broadway hits.

The band’s lead singers include Emilie Surtees and Marcus Simeone. Emilie Surtees performed that day. She revealed that music has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. “I just sang all my life. Until one day I discovered I can make money. I can have a career doing what I love.”

“Whether it be the musicians or the listeners when we get together there is a synergy. People were dancing today. They were singing along and said, ‘oh my god, we love you all so much.’ That is what you want to hear. That is what you want to connect to. We all come from different walks of life and music brings us together no matter what. We have something in common.”

Emma happened to be walking along the pier when she heard the band’s music. “I was walking on the pier and I heard the music. I thought it was just a truck playing really loud music. I came down here like an hour later and I just turned the corner. I was like, ‘this is so cool!’”