La Crosse officer praised at National Night Out from man he had arrested

La Crosse has participated in event for 19 years

For 19 years, the city of La Crosse Police Dept. had taken part in National Night Out.

The event, which is in its 33rd year nationally, was designed as a way to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, along with strengthening police-community partnerships. 

Alex Burg, a downtown neighborhood resource officer, has been with the department for three and a half years, and set up a get together in Cameron Park, an area he serves to protect everyday.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of people coming through here today that I see every day,” Burg said. “It’s been nice to see people from all walks of life.” 

Burg said it allows people to see law enforcement in another light, including a man he’s dealt with as an officer on a few occasions.

“A guy came through the line, a guy I had previous contacts with through arrests and in court,” Burg said. “But, today, he went through the line and was happy and said, ‘I can finally say, today, you guys really hooked me up.'”

The events happened at a dozen locations throughout La Crosse, and many more in the surrounding areas.