On August 5, 2025, communities across Cincinnati came together for National Night Out, a beloved nationwide tradition designed to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement. Across the Queen City, the event was alive with music, games, SWAT demonstrations, fire truck tours, and heartfelt conversations between police officers and neighbors (fox19.com).
In the Bond Hill neighborhood, the event was a vibrant reminder of the power of connection. North Avondale Neighborhood Association President, Dawn Johnson, attended the gathering with her son and niece—and they weren’t empty-handed. Armed with a bag full of police duck figurines, Dawn shared the joy by passing them out to officers and attendees alike. The response? Overwhelmingly positive.
One officer exclaimed, “OMG I love my motorcycle cop duck! This made my whole evening and I need to figure out how to mount it on my bike.” That moment of unfiltered joy captured exactly what National Night Out is meant to do—break down barriers and build authentic connections.
Dawn also had a chance to connect with North Avondale’s community liaison, Officer Heiland, further reinforcing the spirit of unity and partnership between neighborhoods and those who serve them.
Why It Mattered
- Restoring Trust: Coming just days after a violent downtown incident, the event helped renew a sense of community safety and solidarity across the city.
- Meaningful Presence: With Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge and Mayor Aftab Pureval making appearances citywide, residents saw firsthand that public safety is a shared responsibility—and a shared joy.
- Small Gestures, Big Impact: Whether it was a handshake, a conversation, or a ducky keepsake, every interaction helped lay the groundwork for safer, more connected neighborhoods.
Final Thought
National Night Out in Bond Hill wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder that when we show up for each other, in small and sincere ways, we create the kind of community we all deserve to live in.
