On Nov. 4, the Collinsville Police Department presented local woman Avia Roach with the inaugural Heart of the City Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication and outstanding leadership in organizing Collinsville’s National Night Out year after year.
As a newlywed, Roach and her late husband Randy moved to Collinsville in 2011 after he was hired to be the new Collinsville Police Chief. Wanting to be involved and to support her husband, Avia joined in the fun of the annual National Night Out event.
At that time, the event was county-driven, and police departments would hop around from city to city. That first year, Avia went along for the ride and enjoyed participating in the event.
Over time, the county stepped back and the City of Collinsville sponsored National Night Out and kept the event in town. Then the Economic Development Corporation and Industrial Corporation became sponsors, and now, the event attracts around 600-700 people each year. Local businesses and individuals have become involved, and now the event is bigger and better than ever.
This free, family-friendly event has something for everyone. From vendors passing out information about safety awareness to a kids’ area that features a bounce house, inflatable slide and blow-up game as well as trackless train rides, everyone has fun gathering and getting to know local law enforcement.
National Night Out is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and citizens while building a stronger sense of community.
Even though Randy has been gone since 2021, Avia continues to serve as the event organizer.
“I love this event. It’s great for the city and it’s great for the police department,” Avia said. “People come out and really support them.”
Avia was shocked when Police Chief Jeff Ashabranner and Lieutenant Jon Cheshire presented her with the Heart of the City Award.
“I didn’t expect it, because I don’t do it for that,” Avia said. “National Night Out is supposed to be about them; it’s not supposed to be about me! I appreciate it so much that they took the time to tell me how much they appreciate the work I do. That they took the time to design such a beautiful award and present this to me. I could see in their eyes just how genuinely they cared about the work I’ve done. It means a lot to me.”
The Collinsville Police Department was happy to find a way to give something back to Avia after all that she’s done to support them.
“We see what she does every year,” Chief Ashabranner said. “She really puts in the work. We were glad to be able to do something like this for her.”
While this is the first time the Heart of the City Award has ever been presented, Ashabranner said it’s something that could continue in future years.
“If someone steps up and is deserving, then the Heart of the City Award could certainly be something that is carried on,” he said.
For now, Avia is the lone recipient of this special recognition.
“Avia’s tireless efforts continue to bring together law enforcement, first responders, and the citizens of Collinsville—strengthening the bond that makes our community safer, stronger, and united,” the police department posted to its Facebook page. “Avia’s passion and commitment truly make her the Heart of the City.”
