South Brunswick residents show police their support

National Night Out was a success at Woodlot Park.

By: Paul Koepp
   Woodlot Park was filled Tuesday evening with township residents who braved the steamy conditions to enjoy National Night Out.
   The annual celebration, dedicated to promoting a good relationship between the Police Department and the community, brought out all ages, with kids bouncing around in inflatable play areas and then sprinting through the refreshing spray provided by a fire hose serving as a sprinkler.
   The Good Humor cart was also a popular destination as people tried to beat the heat while meeting and greeting other residents and local officials.
   Other residents found useful information among the booths and table set up by the Police Department.
   Sheldon Cramer, of Kendall Park, who said it was a good idea to give people a chance at the event to register their pets so that township emergency services would know there is a pet in their house in case of a fire, was enjoying some free food and a free T-shirt.
   "We came out just to see what’s going on in the community and to meet our neighbors," he said.
   "It’s nice and it’s real convenient that it’s so close to home," said Soniya Shah, of Monmouth Junction, as her sons, 6-year-old Manav and 2-year-old Aryan, romped on the playground. "They also have a lot of good information. My kids like to come out and see the firetrucks, but now they understand what it’s all about."
   Trucks and equipment were on display from the Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department, the Kendall Park Volunteer Fire Company and the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company.
   Other kids participated in sock hop races and a hula hoop horseshoe game, or took in a performance by young dancers from the Dance on Q dance studio, which is soon moving to the South Brunswick Square Mall.
   The Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau showed off its new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, while officers from the Investigations Division took Polaroid mug shots of kids and explained the basics of crime scene investigations.
   Trent Tighelaar, 6, of Milltown, had a chance to look through the scope of a rifle his father, Patrol Officer Eric Tighelaar, could use in his work for the Emergency Response Team.
   "It’s a very rewarding experience for him because seeing his dad here makes him proud," said his mother, Stacey. "He couldn’t wait to return this year."
   Police Chief Raymond Hayducka called this year’s National Night Out "outstanding."
   "Every year, it seems to get better. It really shows the support of the community," he said. "South Brunswick is a great place to live, and that’s why we have everyone here."