The City of Hoboken held its annual National Night Out to foster police-community relations at Church Square Park, which had a family-friendly, carnival-esque atmosphere.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Children and teens played basketball and enjoyed music, along with water slides, bounce houses, and food. Police officers showed an interested patrons a riot shield, heavy bulletproof vest, and helmet worn for protection.
Additionally, several drones were on display, where an officer explained one could go 400 feet in the air to track criminals via infrared technology, as well as read license plates.
“This really brings our community together. It really builds our community sense among a lot of people … The relationship between our community and the police department is vital,” declared 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo a mayoral candidate.
He added that the event also helps foster good will towards the fire department and the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, who also play a vital role in keeping the Mile Square City safe.
Another mayoral candidate, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher also participated in the event with members of her council slate.
“It’s a great night out to connect a community with public safety. What Hoboken does is we do it better than everybody else. It’s a gorgeous night: Everything about this is fantastic,” Fisher exclaimed.
“I think there are many ways we can get to more community policing and we can explore those.”
Resident Manny Rivera-Soler also said he was a fan of the event bringing the community together.
“When I grew up you knew everybody. Now it’s less than that … Events like this ease that. It’s a great event, especially for the children.”
He also told HCV that he plans on running for the vacant 6th Ward council seat, while his friend Pat Waiters was collecting signatures for a mayoral bid.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and Hudson County Sheriff’s Office also joined the local public safety departments to provide information, small tokens such as keychains, and demonstrations with technical equipment.
Great photo! It really captures the event’s spirit!