UPPER PENINSULA, Mich (WZMQ) – Colonel James F. Grady II, Director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), addressed the importance of the upcoming National Night Out event during a conversation with WZMQ, where he highlighted the critical role it plays in fostering police-community partnerships. The free, family-friendly annual event, set for tomorrow, August 6, will see participation across Michigan and in over 60 cities nationwide, including several in the Upper Peninsula.
“National Night Out promotes and celebrates police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live,” Col. Grady said in a recent MSP press release, underscoring the event’s significance. He emphasized that this long-standing campaign offers a valuable opportunity for law enforcement and community members to connect and engage.
Reflecting on the broader scope of the event, Grady pointed out that National Night Out will take place in cities across 50 states, U.S. military bases worldwide, and various U.S. territories.
“I can tell you that it’s always very important to develop partnerships with members of the community, this is a great event. This is happening for us across 50 states in this country. Also, military bases worldwide, including other US territories,´ he shared.
Speaking directly to the Upper Peninsula audience, Grady expressed his enthusiasm for the region, mentioning that his first visit as MSP Director was to the U.P. “Superior seems like it never ends. It has great people,” he noted, highlighting the Upper Peninsula’s unique charm.
Grady shared his knowledge of events set to take place in Marquette, Ironwood, and the Wisconsin border town of Aurora, WI, where local law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies will be hosting National Night Out activities. “The MSP always participates in these events, along with local law-enforcement partners and first responders. It just really gives the opportunity for us to provide safety demonstrations, seminars and youth events. All of those things are always good. We want people to know that we are accessible. We like having a genuine conversation, so that way we can find out really what’s going on in the community. What can we do better with the agency, and in the profession? Our job is to provide service to our wonderful Michiganders, and what better way to do that than with these platforms that provide these great opportunities to do just that: to have a conversation.”
He also highlighted the importance of Governor Whitmer’s recent budget, which allocated a $75 million increase in revenue sharing for law enforcement and first responders, a move he believes will significantly enhance public safety efforts statewide.
“When you look at these opportunities, and you think about the community engagement, the partnership-building like this, I have to bring up the governor and our wonderful legislators who have for the fiscal year ‘25 budget provided a $75 million increase in revenue sharing. These resources will be provided to law-enforcement and first responding agencies across the state to help keep and make sure the public safety is funded, and we’re reducing violence here in the state of Michigan,” he stated.
As the state prepares for National Night Out, Grady called on residents to participate, reminding them of the anonymous tip lines like 1-800-MICH-TIP and ‘OK2SAY,’ which are vital for maintaining safety. “We just want to make sure that everyone can go out in the community and enjoy themselves, and we keep everything as peaceful as we can,” he concluded.
For more details on National Night Out events in and around Michigan, visit:
For a list of cities participating in National Night out, visit:
