BRICK – The National Night Out proves that police and other first responders are there for you in good times and bad.
The evening is a celebration of the town, and all are invited. Some police officers were in uniform, while others wore department shirts. It was a way to have cops interact with people in a relaxed atmosphere.
Other departments got in on the action, as well. There were construction vehicles as part of a touch-a-truck. Food, inflatables, and other entertainment were also part of the fun.
Brick Township EMS taught kids beginner CPR. While some may have learned to time chest compressions to the beat of “Staying Alive,” the youngest generation are told to hear “Baby Shark” in their head while they save a life.
Sgt. Joseph Rossi said that they had a decent crowd, even better than previous years.
“It’s important to get to meet us and learn what we do. It bridges the gap between us and the residents,” he said.
All too often, the only interaction people have with police is if something bad happens. National Night Out is part of a community policing initiative to bring residents and officers together during happy times, enjoying each other’s company. It fosters trust and forges relationships that help everyone in town.
“We want them to have a familiar face that they can go to,” Rossi said. If they’re having a bad day, and need to report something, it’s important that they know they can trust the police. If they’re having a good day, and they see an officer, it’s important to know they can say hi.
The department’s youth camp had their graduation that evening, he said, which makes families bond with the police even more.
“The community gets to come out and see a lot of the things the department has to offer,” he said. “Kids get to see a whole different side of us.”
