COHOES – National Night Out was observed Tuesday night all across America, in all fifty states, but given what’s been happening in the city of Cohoes over the past week, the observance was just what the doctor ordered.

The community camaraderie on display Tuesday night at both Canal Square and Greenbriar Park in Cohoes paints a sharp contrast to the unruliness that unfolded on Remsen Street one week earlier. At that time a large fight broke out outside Marra’s Funeral Home which prompted seven area police agencies to intercede.

Then came a stabbing at a fast food restaurant. And on Monday night, the city’s Public Safety Committee convened to engage the public in dialogue about the violence.

“We had the public safety meeting last night and one of the recurring themes throughout that meeting,” according to Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin, “was community and bridging the gap between the citizens of Cohoes and the police department, and residents getting to know other residents.”

That’s why Waldin says Tuesday’s National Night Out observance couldn’t have come at a better time. Most city residents seem to agree.

“I think it’s perfect after the disturbances we had over the last two weeks,” said John Wojcik, a life long Cohoes resident. “This is great for the community to come out and enjoy.”

“I appreciate the whole community, ” said Sarah Washburn. “All of the firefighters are my friends and the police officers are the heroes in the world.”

To get to better know their heroes, National Night Out allows the community to interact with police officers and firefighters in a stress free, food, fun, and family-entertainment atmosphere.

“I want people to remember that Cohoes is a really good community,” said Lisa Soloyna, vice President of the city’s Neighborhood Watch organization. “We’re trying to be positive. Every city goes through their own little time where there are ups and downs.”

“The small incidents that we’ve just had don’t reflect what actually goes on (in Cohoes),” added Carrie Briggs, President of the Neighborhood Watch group.

On this night, Cohosiers were celebrating cohesiveness and also the hope that everyone joins in.

“Maybe we can reach some of the younger kids who are causing some of the problems now that they’ve seen us here and we’ve interacted with them in a very pleasant basis,” Waldin stated.

The chief says many of the people who attended the National Night Out were in the crowd at the funeral home last week, a clear indication he believes that most everyone embraces the spirit and purpose of National Night Out.