Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
A night of fun and fellowship in West Grove
WEST GROVE » National Night Out in West Grove on Tuesday was an evening of entertainment, food trucks and schmoozing with first responders.
Southern Chester County Police Deputy Chief Michael King and his staff opened up the center square in town as an opportunity for residents to drop by and have some fun plus good food.
That night out, which is observed nationwide, was begun more than three decades ago to promote police-citizen partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie with the goal of making communities safer and more connected. It is typically held in the first week of August.
Under clear skies with temperatures in the low 80s there was no keeping the hundreds of visitors away from the free and entertaining event.
By the starting time at 6 p.m., the town square was already alive with neighbors, and the parking lots were filling up fast.
Flanked by a band that played all evening, King told the crowd that he just wanted them to have a good time. And that’s what they did. At one end of the road was a dunk tank, where people could pay a dollar and have a few throws to release town officials into the water below.
Five food trucks provided treats for the crowd, many of whom came hungry to the dinner-time event.
While many people strolled the street, others were happy to bring in their antique cars, open the hood, sit down next to them and then tell their stories of adventures on the road.
Over at Ruffini’s barber shop, John Ruffini had opened the place up and was giving out an ice cold bottle of water to anyone who wanted one. Some people just relaxed and cooled off in the chairs inside the shop. At one point someone shouted out the question if is was opened for haircuts. Sure. Overall, however, there was a strong recognition that the evening was in place to recognize first responders, and they were out aplenty.
The West Grove Fire Company was there with its new million-dollar ladder truck, and high atop its ladder was an American flag. Avondale Fire Company and Medic 94 were there as well.
In addition to King, many members of the Regional Police were there leading events and riding on bikes. Others strolled around and engaged in conversations with the guests.
Yet, although the ceremonial aspect of the evening was light, there were some official statements of support and congratulations.
Chester County District Attorney’s Office Chief of Staff Chuck Gaza said the recent establishment of the Southern Chester County Regional Police as a joining of West Grove and New Garden “is a model for other departments ... providing better services with less money.”
State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19, of West Whiteland, said regional police departments like Southern Chester County is “how it’s going to be.” He praised West Grove and New Garden for putting it together and creating a stronger department.
State Rep. John Lawrence, R-13 of West Grove, said, “We’re blessed with great first responders. We sometimes take them for granted, but not those who are being served at the time.”
Overall, though, the evening was a big community picnic under the best of weather conditions, with plenty to eat and plenty of friends to hang out with.
Similar events were held in Wests Chester, Phoenixville, Caln and Kennett Square.