Harrison Police Host National Night Out on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024

The Harrison Police Department is set to bring the community together once again for its rescheduled National Night Out on Friday, September 20, 2024. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Harrison Library Park located between South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. and North 5th Street along Harrison Avenue. Library Park is also known as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Park and contains Veterans Park within it. This fun-filled evening, which was originally slated for Tuesday, August 6, 2024, but canceled due to a torrential rainstorm, promises to deliver food, entertainment, and a host of family-friendly activities for all.

The Purpose of National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual event that fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Since its inception in 1984, National Night Out has become a vital part of neighborhood safety efforts across the United States. With more than 16,000 communities participating nationwide, the initiative encourages neighbors to meet and engage with local police officers, building trust and strengthening neighborhood bonds.

The origins of National Night Out are traced back to the efforts of the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The goal was simple: to create an informal, friendly atmosphere where residents and law enforcement could meet, discuss issues, and create a cooperative environment to tackle community challenges together.

Harrison’s National Night Out: A Community Affair

This year’s rescheduled National Night Out, sponsored by the Harrison Police Department, will include fun activities for the whole family. Attendees can enjoy food, face painting, and entertainment, while local merchants—invited by the police—will showcase their goods and services. The event provides an excellent opportunity for Harrison’s local businesses to showcase their businesses and deepen their connections with the community. Unfortunately, current guidelines do not allow the merchant to sell their services. This may limit the ability of the merchant to participate. Maybe in future National Night Out gatherings, the guidelines will change.

Police Chief David Strumolo emphasized the importance of National Night Out in reinforcing the department’s commitment to community engagement.

Strengthening Connections: Beyond National Night Out

Although National Night Out is traditionally held in August, the Harrison Police Department has been actively engaging with the community throughout the year. The department’s Community Policing Unit, under the leadership of Chief Strumolo, has hosted five “Pizza With A Cop” events in various locations across town. These gatherings have provided residents with the chance to meet and converse with local police officers in an informal setting. Each event has drawn an increasing number of participants, reflecting how meaningful these interactions have been for the community.

The Harrison Police Department’s dedication to connecting with residents goes beyond a single night. By organizing initiatives like Pizza With A Cop and engaging in community meetings, the department consistently prioritizes building strong, trusting relationships with the people they serve. This ongoing effort is a testament to the commitment of Chief Strumolo and his team, who are carrying forward Harrison’s long-standing history of community policing.

A Night of Fun and Community Spirit

In addition to the scheduled activities, National Night Out will include face painting, a favorite among the younger crowd, which will add a touch of creativity to the festivities.

The Harrison Police Department is looking forward to seeing the community come together at Library Park for this special evening. Mark your calendars and join your neighbors on Friday, September 20, for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and community spirit.

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!