'National Night Out' a Hit in Scotch Plains, Fanwood

Hundreds of residents attended "National Night Out" events in Scotch Plains and Fanwood Tuesday night. "National Night Out" was created as a way to bring residents together and raise awareness about crime prevention.

The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 

"The night helps residents get to know the programs we offer and to say together we're standing up against crime," said Fanwood Chief Richard Trigo. "Every year it's gotten bigger and bigger."

The night at LaGrande Park in Fanwood was made possible by all volunteers and local donations and offered free food and games, including a bounce house, face painting, and the Tuesday night free Fanwood outdoor movie showing of "Oz the Great and Powerful." 

In Scotch Plains, kids flocked to the inflatable slides and climbing rides and took turns throwing balls at a dunk tank, climbing into a fire truck, sitting on a police motorcycle and petting the Scotch Plains K-9 unit dogs, Gamble and Ollie. Local band the Broadcasters also took the stage and played plenty of crowd favorites. 

"It was an incredible evening with a fabulous turnout and obviously the weather was very helpful," said Scotch Plains Deputy Mayor Colleen Gialanella. "The idea is that the community has an opportunity to really see the people who volunteer for the community such as our rescue squad and fire department, and to meet our hard-working police department in a situation where there's not a crisis happening. It's a good time, especially for the kids, to really get a sense of the people that help them in the community."

"National Night Out is a way for the public to come out and not only meet each other but also to see the police department and get that positive reinforcement to say, hey look, if we work together, the police department and the citizens, we can reduce crime," Scotch Plains Police Capt. Brian Donnelly told Patch. "That's a big initiative we do in the Scotch Plains Police Department. We have our community policing, neighborhood watch. We want to thank everybody – the mayor's office, the council, and all the departments and organizations that donated their time and money."