SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Town’s NNO wins awards

By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
   For the third year in a row, the township’s National Night Out program has won top state honors and has placed fourth nationally, according to the department.
   In a press release Wednesday, the agency said it had won first place in the state and placed fourth nationally by the National Association of Town Watch for its efforts during the annual program held in August.
   Almost 6,000 people attended the annual event held at Rowland Park along with the Municipal Alliance’s annual Community Unity Day to combat chemical addictions.
   The event featured free hot dogs, soda and popcorn, rides for children, many informational booths for local organizations as well as demonstrations by police, firefighters and other emergency responders.
   According to the department, South Brunswick was recognized for the scope of its “collaborative” programs with the community.
   Chief of Police Raymond Hayducka thanked the numerous volunteers in the agency and community for making the event an award-winning success.
   ”So many community members gave of their time to create a great night. In 2012 we saw the best in our community from how we pulled together after (Superstorm Sandy) to special evenings like National Night Out,” Chief Hayducka said in the release. “The police – community partnerships that we have built made the night a huge success.”
   Chief Hayducka also thanked Mayor Frank Gambatese and the Township Council for its support of the police department and National Night Out.
   He also gave special recognition to Patrolman Gene Rickle and Crime Prevention Assistant Chris Slovensky for their hard work in coordinating the event.