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MONROE: Town hosts ant-crime event

By Charley Falkenburg, Special Writer
MONROE — Bobby Kell handed his pet python named Big Boy to his girlfriend before donning a pair of a pair of drunk goggles and attempting to walk the yellow line on the pavement.
In seconds, the Monroe man was already wobbling, swaying and stumbling.
"I’ve never been that drunk before, I’ll tell you that," he said. "But at least this lets you know what it’s like so you don’t drink and drive."
The intoxication simulation station was just one of the many activities featured at Monroe Township’s fifth annual National Night Out Against Crime event on Aug. 5. That evening, the Monroe Police, three Fire Departments, Public Works, First Aid Squad, Emergency Medical Services, Animal Control Officer and Public Library joined forces at Thompson Park in Jamesburg to get to know the local community better and educate residents on drug and crime prevention.
Officials said they prepared for about 2,000 people to attend.
"It’s easy to be victimized and we try to deter that as much as possible through education," explained Det. Brian Dziomba. "And this provides an outlet for our emergency services to interact with the community in a different capacity."
Det. Dziomba was behind a table piled with information sheets and pamphlets on various subjects such as safe Internet and social media practices, drug awareness and self-protection against identity theft and fraud. As he continued to hand out sheets to passers-by, other officers were busy giving folks a more in depth look at their role in keeping the township safe.
Nearby, one officer manned the Crime Scene Investigation table, explaining the importance of processing fingerprints and showing examples of evidence bags and footprint molds. Other officers, along with firefighters and EMTs, opened the doors to their cruisers, trucks and apparatuses and let attendees explore the interiors and get a firsthand look of their rides.
"This is wonderful for the community," said Councilwoman Elizabeth "Betty" Schneider. "It’s great opportunity for the community and the children to meet the police to give them a different perspective on policemen."
In between display visits, folks snacked on free refreshments, won prizes, enjoyed an interactive story performed by the Monroe Township Public Library and had some fun playing carnival games. Children who brought their bicycles and helmets were able participate in the Bicycle Rodeo, an obstacle course designed to teach bicycle safety.
They also had the opportunity to channel their inner firefighters, thanks to the combined effort of the township’s three fire districts. Clad in little red plastic fire hats, children of all ages tried their hand at hosing down a large wooden board that was crafted and painted into a blazing house. Meanwhile others hopped into a truck called the "Safety House" where they learned how to safely escape from a burning building.
District 3 Fire Official Peter Jasiorwski was close by, handing out magnets, booklets and coloring books designed to help people be more mindful of preventing accidental fires such as ones caused by unattended candles or cooking mishaps.
"We have our fair share of fires here," said Mr. Jasiorwski. "No fire is a good fire."
However, Mr. Jasiorwski wasn’t always putting out flames. When asked what inspired him to start fighting fires, he paused briefly.
"I spent four years in the Navy and when I came back, I wanted to serve my community and the fire department was my calling," he said.