JACKSON – Police, firefighters and other first responders welcomed the public to this year’s “National Night Out: America’s Night Out Against Crime” which was held at its usual location at the ShopRite at North County Line and Cook roads.
The event was coordinated for the first time by Township Police Capt. Mary Nelson with support from the Jackson Police Benevolent Association (PBA) # 168.
Nelson said the event always draws a large crowd and the latest event was no exception. She noted that it was all about community building and strengthening neighborhood cohesiveness as well as forming partnerships between local law enforcement, first responders and members of the community.
She credited now retired Police Captain John Convery of the department’s Support Services Division in growing the event into what has become a summer tradition in Jackson.
This year’s celebration in Jackson featured a table with the Special Response Team, SWAT, along with displays by the township’s police department.
The Jackson Volunteer First Aid Squad were also out in force and there was a demonstration on the use of an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator.
There was also a demonstration of Fatal Vision goggles that show the wearer the dangers of drinking while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Child identification kits, Quality First Aid, music, games of chance, prizes and children’s activities were all part of the event.
Elyce Gonzalez brought her 4-year-old daughter, Milana, and her 2-year-year-old son, Braxton, to the event. One of their first stops was to pick up plastic firefighter hats and to pose for a photo in front of a Jackson Fire Station 55 fire truck.
“We came out last year,” she said. Her other daughter had another activity and “we’re hoping they can join us later. This is always so much fun.”
Members of Jackson’s Fire stations 54, 55, 56 and Jackson Volunteer First Aid, held live safety and multiple emergency response demonstrations.
Jackson PBA # 168 provided the inflatable rides as well as games and prizes for the children. They sponsored free raffles and giveaways throughout the night. They also had a dunk tank where officers like Sgt. Fred Meabe would get submerged for the amusement of those passing by their booth.
Sgt. Meabe told The Jackson Times that this fall’s PBA Pig Roast would be held on September 24 at its usual location in Pine Park in Lakewood. Those interested in attending that event are directed to contact the Jackson Police Department for details.
There were also free hot dogs, chips and drinks that were served up by members of the Jackson Kiwanis Club. The ShopRite provided raffle prizes and ice and Six Flags Great Adventure sponsored the cost of many of the children’s prizes won during the night. Capt. Nelson said other sponsors included Care One Nursing Home, The Orchards of Bartley, DJ Ralph & Joe of KEC Entertainment (who have been providing their services at the event and other community events for years) and Pizza Plus of Lakewood who provided 70 pizzas. Popcorn was provided by Grand View Brokerage, and portable bathrooms were donated by United Site Services.
Nelson also thanked the Jackson Department of Public Works who “worked the day before, the day of and even the day after at the site and did a fantastic job setting things up and breaking them down.”
School resource officers were doing special activities with young people. Township police also manned the child ID booths while the motorcycle, ATB and bicycle unit officers were also engaged with members of the public.
Many community organizations including the Jackson Elks Lodge, PTA, Chabad of Jackson, library, Moose Lodge, houses of worship, Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts, Moms Club and the township’s Clean Communities group and the Jackson Municipal Alliance were present.
Vinny Rubio joined fellow members of the Helping Hands of Jackson LLC in greeting attendees. “We have sharing centers around the town – one of them is in the front lobby of the ShopRite here – where people can drop off food and other items.”
He noted the non-profit organization supports members of the greater Jackson community for the purpose of fostering family, individual pride and dignity, to touch the lives of those in need and to give a helping hand. The group meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Jackson VFW Post Magnolia Drive off of Bennetts Mills Road.
According to its website, National Night Out is “an international event celebrated in local communities and military installations around the world.”
