‘Reinforcing our sense of community’
Warwick. Warwick’s National Night Out in Veterans Memorial Park sought to strengthen relationships between police and the community.
| 04 Aug 2023 | 03:03
More than 2,000 people came together and attended Warwick’s National Night Out in Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The Warwick Police Department had motorcycles and other vehicles on hand. Photos by Jennifer O’Connor.
Det. Mike Hoffman and Det. Shawn Tetzlaff cook up hot dogs.
The Black Dirt Bandits performed at National Night Out on Aug. 1.
Jackie Foschini is excited to see her uncle, Warwick Police Chief John Rader.
Warwick EMS was among the many first responders attending the event.
Nash Horton climbs onto a tractor with the help of his dad, Warwick Police Officer Timothy Horton.
The Mazzella Family are all smiles at National Night Out.
More than 2,000 people came together and attended Warwick’s National Night Out (NNO) in Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
The free, community-wide event, organized by the Warwick Police Department and the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition, sought to strengthen relationships between police and the community.
‘Connecting us to each other’
“It is gatherings such as this that reinforce our sense of community and connect us to each other,” Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard said. “It was truly a family event, well-organized and celebratory for all the right reasons.”
Meeting and mingling with police officers, firefighters and EMS workers were a highlight for participants. Youngsters enjoyed having their faces painted and climbing into many of the vehicles in the touch-a-truck area. Some even stepped onto a school bus for the first time and were thrilled to be inside a helicopter, tractor, racecar, firetruck, ambulance, dump truck and police and other vehicles.
Throughout the park, patrons listened to music by the Black Dirt Bandits. The Hudson Valley band delighted the audience with a performance of the best new country covers and some of their original songs. While listening to the tunes, visitors enjoyed hotdogs cooked up by the WPD and other food and treats.
‘Support of all ... who work so hard to keep us safe’
“I want to thank the Warwick Police Department and the Warwick Coalition for hosting another successful National Night Out community event,” Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton said. “It was great to see the huge turnout from our residents in support of all our law enforcement men and women who work so hard to keep us safe.”
In addition to law enforcement, the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition and many other non-profits, local businesses, vendors, and the Warwick Valley School District provided fun activities and information about their organizations. The 40th annual NNO is the perfect opportunity to bring local resources and residents together under positive circumstances.
“It was an amazing event,” said Kerry Malone-Demetroules from the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition, who coordinated NNO with Chief John Rader.
“I would like to thank all of the organizations that participated and everyone who made a donation in support of NNO, making it a success,” the chief added. “A special thank you goes to the men and women of the Warwick Police Department for all of their hard work and for their commitment to the community. We are all looking forward to continuing National Night Out in the years to come.”