National Night Out an opportunity for police and community to get to know each other
By: Paul Koepp
Residents won’t have to commit a crime to get up close and personal with township police Tuesday night, as the 24th annual National Night Out celebration is held at Woodlot Park on New Road.
Firetrucks, rescue vehicles and police cars will be on display at the event, which will run from 6 to 9 p.m., and kids will have a chance to meet McGruff the Crime Dog.
An opportunity for the police and community to get to know each other, the South Brunswick event has received national award recognition for the past 20 years, police said. Officers will demonstrate various aspects of their work, ranging from traffic safety to crime scene evidence collection.
In support of this year’s theme of Giving Back to the Community, the New Jersey Blood Center will host a blood drive at the event, and nonperishable snack donations to be donated to the township Food Pantry will also be accepted.
"Our goal in this event each year is to celebrate and strengthen our relationship with the community," police Chief Raymond Hayducka said in a press release. "The food drive and blood donation just reinforces our commitment to improve all aspects of our community, not just fighting crime."
Other activities will include face painting, rides and games. Free food, soda, and ice cream will be available. Police expect about 2,000 people to attend.

