Village Manager's Message
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign held typically on the first Tuesday of August. This year, the event took place in Cortesi Park on August 5th, 2025. It aims to enhance relationships between neighbors and law enforcement while fostering a sense of community. Events throughout the state typically include block parties, cookouts, parades, and various family-friendly activities. Participants gather to promote crime prevention awareness and strengthen community ties. This initiative highlights the importance of public safety and engages residents in proactive measures to ensure a safer environment for everyone.
I always enjoy civic events because they give everyone a chance to reconnect with people we may not have seen for a while. I have been a part of a National Nite Event for well over thirty years. My first National Nite Out in the early nineties had an unusual thing happen that reached the news. It was the first time speaking with reporters about what had happened while we had the National Nite Out event in a townhouse complex. The city I worked in experienced several burglaries across town. News agencies listening to their scanners came out for the story they wanted to portray. Never let the truth get in the way of a good news story. Media outlets made it seem burglars took the opportunity to go into houses and steal stuff while the homeowners and the police were right outside enjoying the event. I corrected the reporter on camera. I felt good about setting the record straight, only to find out the story was still broadcast with the false narrative. The following day, I was golfing with friends when my Chief of Police “paged” me with a “9-1-1”. The older generation will appreciate that part. I called the Chief back, only to hear there were more reporters and news helicopters flying over our town. Thank goodness my golf round was almost over.
This situation taught me two things about being in the public sector: the news does not always get it right, and as nerve-racking as it was to speak in front of a camera, I was able to think my way through the interview. I ended up being our public information officer for many years.
Fast forward to this year, Sergeant Bryan Hruby and the rest of the Villa Park Police NNO Committee put together another stellar event kids and families could enjoy. There were plenty of free giveaways, and every bit as important, there was plenty of good free food for everyone to enjoy. I skipped lunch, so the pizza and hot dogs came in clutch and hit the spot.
A big shout-out to the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department for their participation and help. Many Village staff members attended to say hello and help meet and greet patrons. I did my best to speak with as many people as I could. I know it is so vitally important to connect with citizens and provide a face and voice to go with a name. The time flies by when speaking with so many people. This is what the event is all about in bringing people together. I wish we could do more events like this, but having been at so many National Nite Outs over the years, I know it is hot and tiresome. Staff who work at these types of events need time to recover and relax. Being aware of staff needs is crucial to their wellness and happiness. That is every bit as important to me as these great community events themselves.
View the full weekly report here. All weekly and monthly reports can be found in our Document Center under Village Manager.
Mike Rivas
Village Manager
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