North End Neighborhood Night Out brought out hundreds of North End/Waterfront neighbors, Boston Police and local officials to the newly renovated Prado (Paul Revere Mall) on Tuesday evening. North End Against Drugs (NEAD) organized the celebration.
Ralph Martignetti was presented with this year’s community service award presented by Boston Police District A-1 Captain Kenneth Fong as part of the event. Martignetti has been instrumental in coaching and growing the neighborhood’s youth sports leagues.
North End native, Charles “Chuck†Wilson, was also celebrated by Mayor Martin Walsh and BPD Commissioner William Gross for his recent promotion to Superintendent.
Held in cooperation with North End Family Pride Week, Mayor Marty Walsh spoke at the event, joined by Police Commissioner Gross and many of his command from local District A-1. City Councilors Lydia Edwards, Michael Flaherty and Annissa Essaibi George also joined the crowd.
“National Night Out is a great opportunity to bring neighbors and our local police together with a shared goal of stopping the violence and saving lives,†said Mayor Walsh. “We need everyone’s involvement to create safe neighborhoods and I’d like to thank those who work to create the strong community we have here in Boston.â€
Thousands of communities across all 50 states participate in National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes collaboration between police officers and residents, making neighborhoods safer.
Many community groups and organizations setup tables in the Prado (Paul Revere Mall) for the party with free food and music by DJ Justin Amoroso. A traditional candle lighting ceremony capped off North End National Night Out at the Prado fountain.