National Night Out was celebrated in Jersey City and Hoboken yesterday to strengthen neighborhood unity and police-community partnership.
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Each venue, whether it was Hamilton Park in Jersey City, or Church Square Park in Hoboken, had live music, unlimited hot dogs, beverages, ice cream, giveaways for the children, bounce houses and safety promotional materials from event sponsors.
In Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop and the Jersey City Police Department hosted the annual event to foster relationships and open a line of communication between police officers and community members.
“National Night Out is an important day where we really speak to the relationship between the police department and the community,” began Fulop.
“It’s really important to get Jersey City to where we know we want it to be—that the police department and the community are working hand and hand.”
The mayor also noted that during his administration, the police department has grown from 779 officers on the force to 930 officers, which is the largest total in 20 years.
Councilwoman-At-Large Joyce Watterman chimed in that National Night Out, which also had locations at Audubon Park, Arlington Park, and Pershing Field, is the best night of the year.
“Tonight we show the world we are united, that we are partnered and will always keep our community in tact,†said Watterman.
In Hoboken, the Hoboken Stevens Police Departments hosted their night out on 4th and Garden St. with water slides, a photo booth, Ronald McDonald, the Callahan’s Hot Dog Truck, and the New York Red Bulls gaming section – among other activities.
Birch Restaurant gave away free milkshakes, while other giveaways included baseball tickets, gift cards, and autographed sports memorabilia.
Additionally, the Hoboken Police Department’s new Emergency Services Truck was on display, and several businesses partnered with the city to advocate against crime.
