Cops, residents partner in Darby Township at National Night Out
DARBY TOWNSHIP » Residents crowded the parking lot of the Darby Township Police Department at Hook Road and Sharon Avenue in Studevan Plaza Tuesday night to watch demonstrations, explore emergency apparatus and enjoy a community barbecue and activities. The special festivities were all a part of Darby Township’s second annual National Night Out celebration, a family-oriented event which brings the community together with local law enforcers and first responders to have fun and learn.
“This is the second year that Darby Township has held a National Night Out event, and we had a wonderful turnout,” said Darby Township Police Chief Regina Price, who initiated the national event in the community shortly after becoming chief last spring. “The crowd this year is larger than last year, which is a good thing, because we want this event to grow every year. We want to encourage everyone to come out and have a positive interaction with our police department, get to know us. We want people to know we are here to protect and support them.”
From 5-7 p.m., children, as well as some adults, climbed inside fire trucks and police cars and got an up-close look at specialized equipment and emergency vehicles. Young children were given police badge stickers and plastic firefighter helmets to wear. According to Price, the event is held to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and to strengthen the police and community partnership.
Chairs were set up in the lot so residents could watch a special demonstration by Officer Mike Andrel and his K-9 partner Luger. Those in attendance examined some of the specialized equipment and vehicles that the police and first responders use to carry out their duties and learned about their capabilities and features. Darby Township Officer James Binns, a longtime chairman of the Philadelphia Hero Thrill Show and a motorcycle instructor, stood by a row of shiny police motorcycles, interacting with families and answering questions.
The local National Night Out also featured firefighters and fire apparatus from Darby Township Fire and Rescue, Darby Township Fire Department and Goodwill Fire Department. The Delaware County Emergency Services Unit brought its vehicles on site and Tom Morgan provided a drone demonstration.
“I really liked seeing the K-9s and also getting to climb inside of a firetruck,” exclaimed Darnell Hill, as his grandmother Dorothea Fields just smiled.
“This is a really nice family event,” Fields stated. “It was really good to see the community come out and be together. There was a lot of helpful information here and we all liked the free giveaways!”
Squeals of delight could be heard in the air when the Phillie Phanatic, a surprise “celebrity,” appeared on site, dancing with children, giving high-fives and posing for photos.
Dinesha Jones of Darby Township, who was at the event with her sons, aged 1 and 9, said they were impressed with the K-9 dog performance.
“I didn’t realize our Darby Township police had these motorcycles either” she said. “This is something that I just learned tonight and enjoyed seeing.”
Music was provided by WOGL Radio personality Bob Pantano, assisted by “Big Al.” Representatives of 97.5, The Fanatic, Philly’s first FM sports station were also on hand, giving away tickets to Fantasy Fest 2017 in South Philadelphia on Aug. 26, a sports-themed day of interactive events for families at Xfinity Live. National Night Out attendees stood in line to spin the 97.5 wheel and win a variety of prizes.
Vendors supplying helpful resources, including the Delaware County District Attorney’s office, lined the perimeter of the parking lot so people could walk around, gather useful information and receive giveaways. John’s Water Ice in South Philadelphia provided free cups of water ice for everyone, and families were treated to barbecued foods as well. Thanks to Brightwood Career Institute, eight lucky children who were the first to race up to the DJ’s table on cue were awarded a backpack filled with new supplies to take back to school in a few weeks.
“We definitely hope to continue National Night Out next year,” Darby Township Fire Marshal Larry Oliveri said. “We had a great turnout tonight, excellent demonstrations, and an overall successful partnership with our residents and community organizations.”
“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to make neighborhoods safer and a better place to live,” Price added. “The Darby Township Police Department recognizes the importance of community policing and working with local residents to solve problems. National Night Out is a national observance and an opportunity to interact with the community in a positive environment and promote the power and value of police-community partnerships.”