By: Nick Norlen
First responders in Montgomery, Plainsboro, Princeton and West Windsor townships will offer assistance of a different kind Aug. 7 helping their respective communities celebrate National Night Out.
Now in its 24th year, the annual, nationwide event is held the first week in August and is designed to promote crime prevention and drug prevention awareness while providing communities with the chance to meet their law enforcement officers.
Plainsboro’s event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morris Davison Park.
Police will distribute information on crime prevention and terrorism awareness and will assist the Plainsboro Township Citizens Emergency Response Team in providing disaster preparedness guides.
The Plainsboro Township Fire Department, the Plainsboro Township Rescue Squad and Plainsboro On Watch will all be in attendance, and home security professionals will give demonstrations on how residents can keep their homes secure.
In addition, members of Plainsboro’s Bicycle Safety Program will conduct drawings to give away prizes like bicycles and safety equipment.
Princeton Township’s event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Community Park Pool and will feature township police, the Princeton Township Fire Department and First Aid & Rescue Squad.
Planned activities include an open swim, a "dunk-a-cop" dunk tank, inflatable attractions and neighborhood watch information, and coloring books, glow necklaces and other goodies will be given away.
In Montgomery Township, police, fire and emergency medical personnel will be touring various neighborhoods to meet with community watch groups.
Groups that would like to have their neighborhood on the itinerary should call Sgt. Thomas Frascella at (908) 874-3333.
Information on West Windsor’s celebration will be made available at a later date.

