Aiming to bring the Lawrence Township Police Department and the community it serves closer together, Lawrence Township will participate in the annual National Night Out event on Aug. 6.
Lawrence Township’s National Night Out event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the front lawn at the Lawrence Township Municipal Complex on Route 206.
There will be activities for children, including an inflatable “bounce house” and face painting, as well as a demonstration by the Police Department’s K-9 dog.
Lawrence Township Emergency Medical Services and the Lawrence Road Fire Co. will bring an ambulance and a fire truck so children – and their parents – can get a closer look at them.
And, of course, there will be plenty of food – hot dogs and hamburgers, cooked on the grill by Lawrence Township police officers.
The Lawrence Township Police Department participates in National Night Out because it’s a community campaign that builds positive partnerships between the residents and the Police Department, Chief of Police Brian Caloiaro said.
“We rely on these partnerships to build bridges with our community. We need the support of the community for our continued success,” Chief Caloiaro said.
National Night Out also allows the Police Department to thank the community and give back to them for all that they do to support the police, he said.
Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski agreed.
“National Night Out is one of our community’s most important events. It promotes awareness of police programs that benefit our community – residents and visitors alike,” Nerwinski said.
“Our town is a celebration of diversity, with a professional and dedicated Police Department that serves it. When you attend the event, it is on full display,” Nerwinski said.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the first National Night Out in 1984, which was held in 400 towns in 23 states, according to the National Association of Town Watch, which sponsors the event.
National Night Out has grown over the years. Last year, it was celebrated in 16,000 communities nationwide, plus U.S. territories and military bases. More than 38 million people participated, the National Association of Town Watch said.
