FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Residents are invited to come out and meet officers from the Freehold Township Police Department while enjoying a night of family fun as the department hosts its annual National Night Out event on Aug. 5.
The event, sponsored by Freehold Township PBA No. 209 with assistance from Freehold Raceway Mall, will be held in the municipal plaza parking lot, corner of Schanck and Stillwells Corner roads, from 5-9 p.m., according to Police Officer Todd Smith, who is organizing the event.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.
Smith said residents of all ages are invited to enjoy the family event, which affords them the opportunity to meet and get to know the community’s police officers in a social setting.
This year, in addition to rides and fun, the event will include a blood drive conducted by representatives of the Central Jersey Blood Center from 4-8:30 p.m.
The Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center Mobile Health Awareness Van will be on hand with health screenings and blood pressure checks.
WKMK-FM will be on hand to provide music. Inflatable rides for children, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo are also on the schedule. Freehold Township police officers will take their turn in a dunk tank.
Refreshments such as hot dogs and pizza will be available for a small fee. The proceeds from the sale of food will go to Special Olympics.
Police emergency vehicles, a fire truck and an ambulance will be on display.
Representatives from the Freehold Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse will be present to provide information to residents, and representatives of the Freehold Raceway Mall will be available to let people know about the mall in their community.
Miss New Jersey, Cierra Kaler-Jones, is scheduled to make an appearance at the event.