07/28/2026
City of Richmond Invites Community to Celebrate National Night Out 2026, Honoring the Legacy of Joe Fisher
2026 Theme: Emergency Preparedness and Neighborhood Bonding
Richmond, Calif. — The City of Richmond, the Richmond Police Department, Richmond Fire Department, neighborhood councils, and community partners invite residents to join together on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for National Night Out (NNO)—a nationwide campaign that strengthens police-community partnerships, builds neighborhood connections, and promotes safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
This year’s theme, “Emergency Preparedness and Neighborhood Bonding,” emphasizes the importance of building relationships before an emergency occurs. Whether responding to an earthquake, wildfire, power outage, public safety incident, or other unexpected emergency, neighborhoods are better prepared when residents know one another, communicate regularly, and work together.
The evening will begin with the Citywide National Night Out Kickoff at Shields-Reid Park, 1410 Kelsey Street, Richmond, CA 94801, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Residents from throughout Richmond are encouraged to attend this special gathering featuring public safety personnel, City leaders, community organizations, emergency preparedness resources, and information to help families and neighborhoods prepare before disaster strikes.
This year’s National Night Out will also be dedicated to the memory of Joe Lee Fisher, whose lifelong commitment to Richmond embodied the very spirit of National Night Out.
Joe Fisher devoted decades to strengthening Richmond by bringing neighbors together, mentoring community leaders, supporting local businesses, and encouraging civic engagement. As President of the Coronado Neighborhood Council and a respected community advocate, Joe believed that safer neighborhoods begin with neighbors who know one another, care for one another, and work together to improve their community.
His legacy perfectly reflects this year’s theme. Emergency preparedness is about more than emergency kits and disaster plans—it is about relationships. Connected neighborhoods are better equipped to check on older adults, support families, share information, and respond together when emergencies occur.
Residents, neighborhood leaders, community organizations, and families are encouraged to attend the kickoff ceremony as Richmond honors Joe’s extraordinary life of service and celebrates the lasting impact he made throughout our city. There is no better way to honor his memory than by coming together as neighbors and continuing the work he dedicated his life to.
Neighbors are being asked to “turn their porch light on in his memory.”
Following the kickoff, the National Night Out Caravan will depart at approximately 6:00 p.m., traveling throughout Richmond to visit registered neighborhood celebrations across the city. Police officers, firefighters, City staff, elected officials, and community partners will meet with residents, recognize neighborhood volunteers, share emergency preparedness information, and celebrate the partnerships that make Richmond stronger.
The evening will conclude with the National Night Out Community End Party, hosted by the North & East Neighborhood Council at 3415 Barrett Avenue. , where neighbors, community members, and caravan participants will gather for a final celebration of Richmond’s National Night Out and another successful year of community engagement.
Chief Tim Simmons reflected on this year’s dedication:
“Joe Fisher showed us what it means to love your community. He believed that public safety begins with neighbors who know one another, care for one another, and are willing to step forward to make a difference. Joe dedicated countless hours to strengthening Richmond through service, leadership, and compassion. It is only fitting that we dedicate this year’s National Night Out to his memory. As we gather with our families, friends, and neighbors, we honor Joe by continuing the work he cared so deeply about—building relationships, preparing our neighborhoods, strengthening our community, and making Richmond a safer place for everyone.”
Residents are encouraged to:
• Attend the Citywide Kickoff at Shields-Reid Park.
• Meet their neighbors and build lasting community connections.
• Learn practical steps to prepare their households for emergencies.
• Visit emergency preparedness and community resource booths.
• Attend their neighborhood National Night Out celebration.
• Become involved in Neighborhood Watch and other community safety programs.
Whether a neighborhood gathering includes ten people or one hundred, every conversation, every partnership, and every preparedness effort helps build a safer and more resilient Richmond.
On August 4, we invite the entire Richmond community to stand together—not only to celebrate National Night Out, but also to honor the life of Joe Fisher, a man who demonstrated that lasting change begins with neighbors helping neighbors. By strengthening our relationships today, we build a safer, stronger, and more prepared Richmond for tomorrow.
For more information about National Night Out 2026, please contact the Richmond Police Department Crime Prevention Unit.
