Harrison Community Policing Events Capped Off With National Night Out

The Harrison Police Department's Community Policing Unit wrapped up a highly successful season of community outreach events with a rescheduled National Night Out on Friday, September 20, 2024. Held at the heart of town in Library Park, this event capped off a series of five 'Pizza with A Cop' gatherings that took place throughout the summer in Harrison. The original National Night Out, scheduled for August, had to be postponed due to a torrential rainstorm accurately forecasted by Harrison’s meteorologist, Anthony "Tony" Mondaro from the Harrison Weather Station.

This year’s 'Pizza with A Cop' events spanned various locations, allowing officers and residents to interact in a relaxed and informal setting in their neighborhoods. These events were held at:

• The Courts on Wilhelm & 6th Street, near the Harrison Fire Department Headquarters
• The Harrison Police Department’s driveway on Cleveland Avenue
• Kingsland Courts in the 4th Ward, near Harrison High School
• The Pocket Park on South 5th Street, between the Steelworks Apartment Building and The Cobalt Lofts.
• The Dey & Bergen Street Courtyard

Each event drew residents of all ages, from children to adults, fostering a growing sense of comfort and trust between the community and its police officers. As these gatherings continued, the turnout increased, with more people engaging with the officers in conversation, asking questions, discussing Quality of Life issues, and enjoying the food and camaraderie. Let us not forget the display of the gadgets like a Drone and a Harrison Police Command Unit.

Rescheduled National Night Out

The rescheduled National Night Out, held in the center of Harrison at Library Park, marked the grand finale of the community policing season. The event was not only a celebration of the department's efforts to build goodwill but also a testament to the strong connection between the Harrison Police Department and the community. It featured a movie screening on the park lawn and participation from local non-profits and businesses, including the Harrison Cancer League, Hudson County Improvement Authority, Vitality Bowl, St. Clare’s/St. Michael’s Hospital EMT Unit, Harrison Fire Department, Valley Bank, Resilient Harrison, US Army, Mishtaan Restaurant, and Express Driving School. Music was provided by DJ Twynn-D (aka Daniel Hidrovo).

Children enjoyed a variety of activities, such as bounce houses, face painting, and classic American hot dogs. The event embodied a true community celebration, where neighbors and officers alike enjoyed a fun and safe evening together.

Harrison Junior Police Academy

Chief David Strumolo and his team not only focused on these community gatherings but also organized another successful year of the Harrison Junior Police Academy during the week of August 12, 2024. This program brought together town, County, and State law enforcement personnel to provide an enriching experience for over 30 local students, helping to build bridges between young residents and the police. More information on the Junior Police Academy can be found here. Who knows if, among the Jr. Police Academy, there will be a future law enforcement officer?

With another successful 'Pizza with A Cop' season behind them, the Harrison Police Department has once again proven its commitment to fostering a strong, positive relationship with the community. The success of these events lays the groundwork for future initiatives that will continue to bring residents and officers closer together. Community Policing goes a long way back in the Harrison Police Department’s history and it has served them well.  Meeting a Police officer at an event like Pizza With A Cop or a National Night Out makes a difference when interacting with a Police officer in the future, and Vice Versa.  May the Harrison Police Officers remain safe in the course of doing their work.  A job well done by all the officers who participated in this year’s Community Policing events.

We value your input! Share your thoughts on our Community Discussion Board. Haven't joined yet? Sign up now for free and be part of the conversation!