Thousands of local residents showed their support for law enforcement during National Night Out, an evening designed to bring the community and police together in an informal, friendly, fun environment.
The South Brunswick Police Department reported more than 7,200 attendees at its celebration on Aug. 1 at Rowland Park.
Officers had ballistics equipment, tools, fingerprint dusting and vehicles on display for all. Local firefighters and rescue squad members were on hand as well to share their knowledge with residents.
In addition, children of all ages were able to throw a baseball past a police radar trailer to check its speed, participate in potato sack races, try the rock climbing wall, enjoy the bounce house, walk past a bubble fan, try out impairment goggles, play at the video game truck and go through the inflatable obstacle course.
Booths set up by organizations such as South Brunswick Community Education, the Girl Scouts and the South Brunswick High School Robotics Team also added to the informational aspect of the evening.
“Our National Night Out celebration grows each year. This year was the largest we have ever had and only highlights the strong community partnership we enjoy as an agency,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.
“Events like these are essential to building strong relationships. Residents see officers in a different setting that allows them to ask questions and learn more about the department. National Night Out is one of several programs which include the Citizen Police Academy, Youth Police Academy and the school resource officers which enable us to strengthen our relationship with residents. I take great pride when I travel around the state telling other police departments about how strong our partnership is with our community. I am also thankful for the support of our mayor and council and township manager in funding these outreach efforts.”
In North Brunswick, the Greene Turtle mascot was one of the highlights of the night, high-fiving children and taking a ride down the inflatable slide on his shell.
Food, music, sand art, tattoos, a clown, a bounce house, face painting and a balloonist were available to all in the parking lot of police headquarters on Hermann Road.
Children also were able to check out a fire engine and take part in an impromptu dance party.
In addition, Gloria Zastko, Realtors joined numerous other businesses and organizations in bringing the community together, specifically sponsoring a game for children called “Land that Home with Gloria Zastko, Realtors.”
“National Night Out is an outstanding event for us and the people we serve. We take pride in the fact that it seems to grow each year in both vendors and attendees. All of the officers had a great time interacting with everyone who came out. Part of the reason we appreciate the event as much as we do is because it’s not every day that the police get to interact and the community in this type of setting. Usually, the police meet the people we serve during terrible or chaotic circumstances. This is so much different, and is quite refreshing actually,” Police Captain Brian Hoiberg said. “I’d like to thank the officers and community members who came out to join us, but especially our National Night Out coordinator, Margaret Long, who put so much work into the successful evening.”
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
