JACKSON – The Jackson Police Department and Jackson PBA Local 168 will serve as the host to National Night Out, America’s Night Out Against Crime, from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 6 at the Jackson Shopping Plaza (Shop Rite), North County Line and Cook roads.
National Night Out is celebrated in communities throughout the United States and at military installations around the world. Jackson’s event is presented by PBA Local 168.
Jackson Police Lt. John Convery said the event is part-street fair and part-informational.
“I invite vendors, people who provide different services to the town, to hand out information, but we will also have a DJ on hand, games for the kids and bouncy rides … ShopRite always sponsors hot dogs and soda … PBA Local 168 sponsors the event, it is free for everybody,” he said.
National Night Out will offer child identification kits, Jackson Police Department SWAT displays, fire truck and firefighting equipment, safety demonstrations, first aid squads, demonstrations of an automated external defibrillator, the Office of Emergency Management, a Fatal Vision goggles demonstration and more.
“This is a good chance for people to meet the public servants; the cops, the firemen, we all come out. It’s a non-threatening environment, so everyone can feel free to talk to us and see that everybody is a human being. We are all approachable,” Convery said. “Most of our guys live in town and they might live two houses down from you, people don’t even realize it.”
Operators of local businesses are invited to the event to represent the community.
Representatives of local organizations will discuss how residents may become more involved in the community. Any organization interested in participating in National Night Out may contact Lt. John Convery at 732-833-3015 or email [email protected].