Begun more than three decades ago by the National Association of Town Watches (NATW), National Night Out, an annual event observed by a multitude of police departments in Chester County, is designed to promote police-citizen partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Its goal: making communities safer and better connected.
The National Night Out campaign involves citizens, law-enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials from 9,500 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. Observances range from block parties and festival to cookouts and vigils with activities such as safety demonstrations, seminars, and speakers.
National Night Out is typically held the first week in August, and this year the Chester County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in family-friendly programs in West Chester, Phoenixville, Caln Township, and West Grove. Sheriff’s deputies will have a presence in the Caln, Phoenixville and West Grove programs.
In addition, K-9 teams will participate in meet-and-greets in West Grove and West Chester. In Caln, the largest of the events, three K-9 teams will provide demonstrations that include an apprehension routine, according to Lt. Harry McKinney, who heads the Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said she always encourages her staff to participate.
“It’s important that the deputies are out in the community and interacting with the citizens, especially the children,” Welsh said. “It’s particularly wonderful to see families participate. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Caln Township will hold its activities, which include fireworks, on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6 p.m. to dusk at Caln Park on Municipal Drive in Thorndale.
In West Grove, observers will convene on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. at the New Garden Township Building, 299 Starr Rd., Landenberg.
Phoenixville’s observance will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Grace Crossing Community Church from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
West Chester Borough festivities will be enjoyed on Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 401 E. Gay St.
