State Police helicopter visited Kearny for National Night Out Against Crime.
KEARNY –
Huge crowds showed up for Kearny’s annual National Night Out Against Crime observance Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., along part of Belgrove Drive.
The local event, sponsored by the Kearny Police Department’s Community Oriented Police (COP) unit, was held as part of a nationwide effort by the National Association of Town Watch, a nonprofit crime prevention organization, to promotes police-community partnerships.
Probably the most popular attraction at the Kearny event was the visit by the State Police helicopter, which landed on a nearby field and whose crew made the craft available for inspection by the public.
Other activities that drew lots of children were the Kearny Fire Department’s helping kids manipulate hoses to put out a fake fire and the Kearny Police Department’s “bouncy house.”
A K-9 demonstration by Zorro, on loan from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, also excited the spectators by tracing a cellular phone concealed behind the gas cap of a motor vehicle.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, saw hundreds of adults and children flock to Belgrove Drive between Bergen Ave. and Afton St. for Kearny’s National Night Out Against Crime, sponsored by the Kearny Community Policing Unit.
Swat teams from both the KPD and Hudson County Sheriff’s Office displayed unloaded weaponry and the KPD brought out its rescue boat for public viewing.
And, for the lovers of antique cars, there were 20 classic models lined up to check out.
Kearny Municipal Alliance gave out materials on substance abuse and magnets, DARE agents handed out coloring books, pen-lights and keychains with safety contact phone numbers, local volunteers who work with the KPD on domestic violence cases gave out literature and the local Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) group offered information and registered cat colony caregivers.
During the festivities, a small band of local educators provided entertainment, scouts from St. Stephen’s offered ice cream and popcorn and members of the Junior Police Academy helped set up and break down booths and gave assistance as needed.
– Ron Leir
