Communities from Shenandoah to Orwigsburg and points between in Schuylkill County celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday.
The annual celebration which has been going for more than 40 years is designed to build relationships between police and other first responders and the communities they serve.
In Pottsville on Tuesday, hundreds gathered at JFK Memorial Pool and Recreation Complex to mark National Night Out. Nearly every officer from Pottsville Bureau of Police was joined by Pottsville Fire Dept., the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office, Schuylkill EMS, and more than a dozen community organizations at the pool.
Children and families were given the chance to get up close to firetrucks, an ambulance, police patrol vehicles, and the officers who ride in them every day.
Pottsville Police Chief John Morrow tells Coal Region Canary that National Night Out gives the community a chance to develop a relationship with his department. And it provides an opportunity for his department to give back with the help of other community organizations and local businesses.
Morrow said that in recent years, he believes there’s a greater trust between his department and the community it serves. He credited his officers for building that improved relationship.
Pottsville Bureau of Police partnered with Walmart in Saint Clair for National Night Out. The retailer donated two bicycles that were awarded to lucky ticketholders at the end of Tuesday’s celebration.
In addition to the bike giveaway, officers on the Pottsville force performed a drone demonstration and were able to give out bicycle helmets to kids in attendance.
Sgt. Charles Webber says National Night Out gives the community a chance to interact one-one-one with the officers in the department. He said he hopes children leave the event knowing “We’re there to help them.”
Often, he said, children may only interact with the police when trouble occurs, perhaps with a domestic incident or something else uncomfortable in their home setting. Being able to see officers in a different light, he said, gives them a new perspective on police.
“Hopefully, they’re not afraid to come to the police for help,” Webber said.
National Night Out events were also held in Shenandoah, Tamaqua, Girardville, and Orwigsburg on Tuesday.
More From Coal Region Canary
See all stories ›
Flood Watch Issued for Schuylkill County on Thursday
4 hours ago
Nabholz Has Allowed Just 1 Earned Run in 5 Appearances Since Promotion to Eugene
12 hours ago
Schuylkill County Man Used Brother’s Name During Traffic Stop Because He’d Been Sentenced to Jail for Driving on a Suspended License
13 hours ago
Barton Cards Sub-70 Round to Pace Haven; Blue Mountain Sweeps Tri-Match
15 hours ago
PennDOT to Host Winter Job Fair in Schuylkill County
17 hours ago
Schuylkill County Man Wanted After Police Say He Traded Nude Photos With 16-Year-Old
18 hours agoSubscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...