Children climbed aboard fire trucks, families met police officers over burgers fresh off the grill, and visitors took in views of Hopewell Valley from high above Stony Brook Elementary School aboard a fire department tower truck Tuesday evening as the Hopewell Township Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out.
The free event brought together residents of all ages for an evening of food, games and activities while offering opportunities to meet police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel outside of emergency situations. Local organizations, businesses and vendors also participated, helping create an evening centered on community connections.
“This is just a different aspect for them to see us,” said Detective Steven Ciosek of the Hopewell Township Police Department. “It’s just a different version of us to see that we’re human beings and not just in a uniform.”
Throughout the evening, families explored emergency vehicles, climbed a portable rock wall, enjoyed face painting, visited the Hopewell Township Police Department’s video game trailer, bounced in inflatable attractions and tried their luck at dunking a police officer in the dunk tank. Public Works vehicles were also on display, giving children and adults a chance to explore the equipment that keeps the township running.
For many families, National Night Out has become an annual tradition.
“We try to come out every year,” said Hopewell resident Lauren Thoma. “It’s right here in our neighborhood, and it’s a nice time to meet all of our public servants and neighbors.”
Thoma said events like National Night Out help children see first responders in a different light.
“I think it makes it less scary because when you see somebody pull up to you, it’s usually in an emergency or a difficult situation,” she said. “They can see that they’re regular people underneath.”
Ciosek said National Night Out reflects the department’s commitment to building relationships throughout the year, but on a larger scale.
“We’re manning the grill, we’re handing food out, we’re at the dunk tank, bounce house, the video game trailer; this is what the community is,” he said. “We do other community events throughout the year, but this is our biggest thing that we do. We’re here for the community.”
Thoma said the evening’s greatest value is its ability to strengthen connections among neighbors as well as with those who serve the community.
“I think it’s just community building,” she said. “We’ve been in the community for, like, 14 years now, and we’re so happy we moved here.”
