LAKEHURST – While the local Night Out Against Crime was designed for two neighboring police departments to have a good time together while interacting with the residents, there was also some friendly competition.
This year’s event featured a donut-eating contest between Manchester and Lakehurst’s officers in blue. It was not just how many donuts were consumed (and for that, the Lakehurst PD had it down, quickly winning the contest) but this event was symbolic. It was designed to bring not only the two law enforcement agencies together but both towns as well.
“I think we had five donuts before Manchester had two down,” Chief Matthew Kline said, laughing.
Manchester Police Chief Robert Dolan said, “this is a great night and something we want to do together going forward. We talked about this last year and combining efforts is a great fit.”
Chief Kline added, “this is a great community event and that is what it is all about.”
He noted that Robert Wood Johnson Hospital’s helicopter stopped by briefly early in the event. “They landed and they immediately got a call and had to leave.”
“This is a great turnout and a lot of fun,” Manchester Township Mayor Robert Hudak said as he walked around Horicon Lake to see the long line to get some free hamburgers and drinks, the many police tents set up by Manchester, Lakehurst, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office plus other community groups.
The annual event also featured displays of first responder equipment and various vehicles, local business vendors, K-9 and SWAT demonstrations, a physical fitness competition for children 17 and younger, and free food, drinks and raffles and prizes.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office also brought along their horse patrol with a demonstration of police and horse partnership across the street from the lake.
DJs provided some Katy Perry tunes that had kids dancing while children enjoyed meeting pigs, goats, and small horses at a small petting zoo at the other side of the lake property.
Police weren’t the only ones sporting blue attire during the well-attended event. Around 20 members of the Harmony Ministries Church at 401 Chestnut Street in the borough donned their blue polo shirts as they promoted their church and passed out information about their vacation Bible school program and other details about what they offer.
Manchester/Lakehurst Police Chaplain Reverend Owen Alston is the senior pastor of the church. “Our church is here in the borough of Lakehurst but we have members in Manchester and Jackson as well. I was so happy to see the two police departments coming together for this, this year. I work for both towns so this was great.”
“Our church is 30 years old. We’ve been here in Lakehurst since 1996 and we’re here today to let everyone know,” Rev. Alston said. For information about the church Alston said “you can call 732-657-9660 or e-mail harmonyoffice@yahoo.com.
Members of the Manchester PTA were also among the organizations present at the event promoting their activities and seeking new members for their organization.
National Night Out: America’s Night Out Against Crime started in the 1980s as an effort for police departments to connect with their communities as well as an effort to help prevent and combat crime. According to its website, National Night Out is “an international event celebrated in local communities and military installations around the world.”
