Public Safety, Fun is in Store for Families at the National Night Out

Families can learn about Internet  and fire safety, how to make their neighborhoods safer from crime and receive a free child identification kit at the third annual National Night Out, to be held in the pavilion area of Wolfe Park on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. — rain or shine.

One highlight of last year's event that's coming back again this year is the police canine demonstrations.

"That was huge last year," said Det. Kelly McFarland, an organizer. "This year we will have moon bounces, face painting, a dunk tank, children's characters and Dizzy Fish, a live rock band."

National Night Out is co-sponsored by the Monroe Police Department. The National Assocation of Town Watch sponsors the overall night, which will be celebrated in over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. The corporate sponsor is Target.

The National Night Out is designed to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention, promote local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police and community partnerships, and to "send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back," according to a flier about the event.

On Aug. 2, residents in Monroe and across the nation will be asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend the evening outside with members of their community.

Matt Peskin, national project coordinator, said, "This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation."

Peskin invites neighborhoods nationwide to come together to give "crime and drugs a going away party" on Aug. 2.

Monroe's National Night Out will have a touch-a-truck with police vehicles, fire trucks from Monroe, Stevenson and Stepney, and Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Services ambulances.

Among those with tables will be:

• The Monroe Police Department
• The Monroe, Stevenson and Stepney fire departments
• Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Services
• Monroe Parks & Recreation
• Barbara Yeager, director of the Monroe Department of Social services
• The Monroe Information Technology Department
• The Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield County
• The Narcotics Enforcement Officers' Association
• ADAM
• Target
• Rita's Italian Ice

McFarland said that Target will give away free gifts and Rita's will give away free Italian ices.

New York Life Insurance will be providing a child identity program, making free kits for parents to keep on file and share with police if their child ever goes missing. McFarland said the Monroe Police Department also provides the service throughout the year.

"I get at least a couple calls a month from parents who want a kit," she said. "This is an advanced version with fingerprints and picture I.D.s"

For information on the National Night Out, call Det. Kelly McFarland at (203) 452-2831, extension 1212.