The third edition of the local police enforcement’s “National Night Out” took place under an iron-colored sky on Tuesday evening. The sky, however, didn’t deter families from swarming over the front field of ORR, enjoying an afternoon of fun. The local search and rescue team handed out Dunkin’ Donuts. There was pizza available next to the SWAT BearCat vehicle. An ice cream truck stood in close proximity to shining fire trucks. Above it all, a massive American flag shifted in the breeze.
The law enforcement divisions of the Tri-Town teamed up to bring the event to the community. National Night Out is an event aimed at promoting police-community partnerships and it allows people to meet the local law enforcement in a friendly, social way.
“We thought we needed it for the community,” said Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee. “It’s great for the kids. We want kids to know that we’re here to help. Sometimes kids see a cop car on the side of the road, and they get a little nervous. So we want them to meet us in a friendly situation.”
Magee said the idea for the local event came about as he visited a similar event held in Kingston several years ago. “We thought we really needed something like this locally,” he explained, “but it’s hard for any single division to host the entire event. The three towns all work closely, and we came together again to all produce this.” They received aid from several local businesses, who donated food and drinks to the event, as well as mini-games.
More than anything else, though, Magee said the event was aimed at providing an opportunity for fun for the entire family. “It’s sometimes tough to go out as a family when everything costs money,” he said. “We wanted to make a free evening for the entire family to have fun. It’s a chance to give back to the community.”
By the looks of it, the police force made a success of the event. The local fire departments offered a “Spin the Wheel” game, where children answered basic safety related questions to win a plastic fire helmet; the field was dotted by dozens of red helmets. Some children played at the mini batting cages or hoops games, while others climbed over the harbormaster’s boat or peered out of the top of the SWAT team’s armored vehicle, the BearCat. A line of police cars and trucks, flashing their lights, sat at the edge of the field. Parents and children took turns sitting at the helm of the all-terrain vehicle and attached stretcher.
Towards the end of the day, the sun broke through the clouds.
Pleased with the turnout, Magee indicated that the event would return next year. “We’re always looking for new ideas,” he said, “but this event gets bigger every year. It’s a valuable community event, and the kids love it.” The cheerful voices and bouncing fire helmets echo his words.
By Andrea Ray
