Click to see additional photos from the National Night Out Boston 2007 Poster Contest Awards Luncheon and B-2 Open house.

If you have pictures you would like us to share please email to Joseph.

2007 CRIME FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
MICHAEL KOZU

Michael Kozu has been the Project RIGHT Grove Hall Safe Neighborhood Initiative community coordinator for more than ten years. He has been the key staff person for this public safety/neighborhood restoration partnership, while also organizing residents and community representatives on neighborhood issues.

Michael Kozu has been a major player in helping the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit organize and sustain numerous crime watch groups in the Grove Hall and Blue Hill Avenue corridor. Working hand-in-hand with residents from Stanwood, Fayston, Devon and Intervale Streets, Michael has forged an alliance of trust and commitment between crime watch members and the police officers from District B-2 and the Youth Violence Strike Force.

His influence, positive attitude, constant encouragement and support provide residents and crime watch members with direction and leadership in a Boston neighborhood heavily impacted by violence.

Because of this, we salute Michael Kozu’s commitment and devotion to “Unity Through Community” with the 2007 Crime Fighter of the Year Award.

This award is named after the former Assistant Director of the Boston Police Department Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit and the National Night Out project Director.  It is given to a person, group, or company that has proven to be a true friend of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program and Community Policing.



We are proud and pleased to announce that the 2007 Tracy Amalfitano Award goes to Target. Greg La Pre has been the lead on this and our faithful, enthusiastic partner from Target. Over the past few years the Target Team has served our Unit and Neighborhood Crime Watch members across the city on numerous occasions.  Their enthusiastic contributions have made a significant impact on the quality of life in Boston. Target employees serve on our Advisory Board and have attended every one of its meetings this year.  In March, two teams volunteered to help us with outreach for the Poster Contest, resulting in the submission of many more posters this year.  In July, they again sent two teams to help with outreach for National Night Out and to encourage people to register their block parties.  In addition to being a national sponsor of National Night Out, Target’s financial contribution helped make this event in Boston possible. It should also be noted that Target assists the Boston Police Department and its Community Policing Program in a multitude of other ways from special-project grants to individual Districts to their Safe City initiatives around their stores.  We are grateful to have the Target Team as part of our team.

It is our pleasure to announce the Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch groups of 2007! Thank you and congratulations to all the honorees. Click to download high resolution versions of below picture.

THE ANDREW SQUARE CIVIC ASSOCIATION has met regularly with and worked closely with the C-6 Boston Police to make this area a safer, better place to live and work.

THE BAILEY & FULLER STREET NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION stepped up to the plate after a vicious attack in their neighborhood left the victim with multiple gunshot wounds and clinging to life.  They became directly involved with the investigation.  Their involvement and support led to the victim being willing to identify his attacker and ultimately led to an arrest.

THE FOREST HILLS HOUSING COOPERATIVE CRIME WATCH has worked diligently with Boston Police District E-13 to identify and target youth issues and property crimes by encouraging their members to get their children invested in neighborhood/community safety.  These efforts have been successful. (The group was not available for a picture.)

THE FRIENDS OF ROGERS PARK CRIME WATCH has worked with Boston Police District 14 and other City agencies to alleviate public drinking, vandalism, drug activity and traffic problems which were plaguing the area.  They have met regularly and have created a safer environment around the Park.

Last year when residents noticed illegal activities taking place in Union Street Park, THE FRIENDS OF UNION STREET PARK, led by Rob Lockhart, they immediately formed a crime watch, cleaned up the park, planted new flowers and trees, contacted City Hall to have street lights repaired, and worked with the District A1 Community Service office and the Municipal Police.  Soon the area was bustling with residents, criminal activity ceased, and the park was once again a vibrant location that families and residents could enjoy.

THE MAVERICK TENANTS CRIME WATCH is determined to make their new housing safe and prevent crime.  They have met on regular basis with the District 7 Boston Police and Winn Management to meet their goals.  They have passed along information that has resulted in arrests and in the Management Company being able to evict bad tenants. (The group was not available for a picture.)

THE MOUNT HOPE/CANTERBURY CRIME WATCH, led by Steven Godrey, has been consistently involved in neighborhood issues.  They meet every month with the E-18 Boston Police and residents and address problems in the neighborhood such as, B & E’s, speeding, chop shops, and property development issues. By working together they have improved the response to crime problems and are bale to enjoy a better quality of life.

NEW ACADEMY ESTATES II CRIME WATCH--Fifteen years ago before Academy Homes II became New Academy Estates crime was out of control in this development.  Mothers, fearing for their safety and the safety of their children, banded together, began to meet with the B-2 Boston Police to address the problems, and have been doing so ever since.  This has resulted in a safer, less fearful existence for the development.

THE PENFIELD/PINEHURST CRIME WATCH has met consistently to work on crime as it arises.  Over the years they have addressed such issues as: street robberies, speeding, trash, noise, and the many issues emanating from the rental of the Am Vets Post.  By working regularly with the E-5 Boston Police they are able to quickly address crime issues and stop it in its tracks.

THE TALBOT-NORFOLK TRIANGLE NEIGHBORS UNITED are residents and local businesses who work with the B-3 Boston Police, elected officials, and local non-profits to make their neighborhood a caring and thriving community.  When they realized that their neighborhood needed more recreation space they began working to transform vacant land on Elmhurst Street and Spencer/Whitfield Streets.  What were once unsightly, dirty neighborhood spaces overgrown with weeds, covered with broken bottles and trash are now 2 neighborhood playgrounds for young children and families, complete with art, spray fountains, and lawns.

The National Night Out citywide celebration at the Franklin Park was a huge success. Just about 8,000 people attended to demonstrate their “Unity Through Community.” Mayor Menino and Police Commissioner Ed Davis honored the Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups and the Crime Fighter of the Year. Police Commissioner Ed Davis stated, "Mayor Menino and I would like to applaud everyone who participated in this year's hugely successful National Night Out festivities. National Night Out highlights the large number of highly-motivated community members combined with the spirit of community policing that makes the city of Boston such a remarkable place to live and work."

Here is the first batch of pictures from the celebration. Click on any picture to be taken to the photo album where you can enlarge and download.

The citywide celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo is this year's cornerstone celebration for the 2007 National Night Out. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend and enjoy the evening activities, which include food, beverages, and family friendly entertainment.   more »

The following are a couple of pictures from the Poster Content Awards luncheon. Click on any picture to see them all. Congratulations to all the winners.

Neighborhood Crime Watch members across the city are hosting block parties this weekend. To see if there is one in your neighborhood visit the National Night Out Calendar Page!

The citywide celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo is this year's cornerstone celebration for the 2007 National Night Out. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend and enjoy the evening activities, which include food, beverages, and family friendly entertainment.   more »