The Farmville Police Department and a dozen neighborhoods around the town made National Night Out a success for the third successive year.

A three-peat.

And during the same week the USA's national women's soccer team won a third straight Olympic gold medal.

The five interconnecting rings of the Olympic symbol speak to the purpose of National Night Out, too. The police department and the people they protect in neighborhoods across Farmville are increasing their sense of connection.

National Night Out was fun, as families came together with police to enjoy food and fellowship, but there is a practical point and purpose. The national celebration was begun 29 years ago to increase crime and drug-prevention awareness, nurture and strengthen partnerships, building effective relationships, between police and residents, and create support for anti-crime programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Crime Solvers, and Business Watch.

“I can't describe how good it is for us to be able to get out there with the citizens and talk to them,” Farmville Police Detective, and local National Night Out coordinator, Chris Moss, said.

The feeling, clearly, is mutual among the hundreds of town residents who joined together, just like those Olympic rings, to make the evening such a gold medal success.

-JKW-