HARRINGTON PARK, N.J.—The community enjoyed interacting with local emergency first responders Tuesday, Aug. 6, when the borough’s police, fire and ambulance workers hosted National Night Out at Highland Park.
Described as an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-citizen partnerships and neighborhood rapport to make towns safer, better places to live, Harrington Park was one of 10 Bergen County communities to offer the family-friendly event featuring activities, food, and informational giveaways that night.
“[National Night Out] really builds trust between the police officers and the people, which is what we really need in today’s society,” Harrington Park Patrol Officer Michael Getto told Northern Valley Press.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella called the events a “valuable opportunity for us to connect with local residents on a personal basis.”
“Law enforcement professionals are community members; they are residents, parents, coaches, sons, and daughters,” said Musella.
Harrington Park Mayor Paul Hoelscher told Northern Valley Press the event gets bigger and better each year.
“It is an important activity because it brings the police and the citizens closer together. And it’s also a good plan for keeping the agencies and the first responders on the same page,” Hoelscher said.
Other Bergen County communities that held National Night Out events included: Englewood Cliffs, Garfield, Hackensack, Hillsdale, New Milford, Palisades Park, Paramus, Rutherford and Teaneck, said Musella.