Several National Night Out Events Held In Region
by Alex Lloyd Gross
What started in this region in 1984, by Matt Peskin, has morphed itself into a phenomenon that showcases a cooperative effort between the community and public safety agencies. At times, these events are elaborate, like Abington Township. They held a pre event on Monday night.
In a parking lot for the Target Store on Old York Road, Cheltenham, Rockledge, Jenkintown, Upper and Lower Moreland, Police Departments, along with businesses and local government in Montgomery County show up to engage the community. The biggest thing going are trinkets and promotional items given out by local police departments and agencies. Even Governor Josh Shapiro showed up.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com Scenes from Bristol Twp .
It started with the simple idea of sitting on your porch, keeping an eye out, getting to know ones neighbors. The first sign this was going to bigger than simple porch sitting was in 1988 when then Vice President George Bush paid a visit to Philadelphia to talk about public safety . He walked through a row of police then he went to a podium where he joined Ben Franklin to turn on a giant porch light.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com In August 1988 Then Vice President George Bush attends a National Night Out event in Center City Philadelphia.
Philadelphia had multiple events in different districts and other areas like school yards and parking lots. The 500 block of Rhawn Street is always a huge location.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com
In Bucks County, Bristol Township hosted Tullytown Boro and State Police. All five fire companies showed up . Plastic fire helmets, stickers and other swag was given out to children as they happily climbed in and on the firetrucks. There was enough fire apparatus to keep a kid occupied for hours. Then they got to play in the SWAT trucks.
Bensalem had their festivities and they brought the FBI with them. There, kids could get pencils that stated “Stolen from the FBI” on them. Clearly, that was the coolest giveaway going, anywhere. Police cooked hot dogs on a grill and gave them out for free. The Copsickle was down for maintenance but that did not stop police from bringing a freezer filled with free treats for anyone that wanted something.
Middletown had a fairly large event complete with vendor tables and local elected officials having a presence. That event was held at their headquarters, inside the lot which was roped off. Police were selling items for a raffle with the proceeds gong to the Shop With a cop program. Both Middletown and Bensalem had a K-9 demonstration and Middletown also had a motorcycle demonstration.