By JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
EMERSON—A police open house and community field day all in one was a big success for the borough, with the return of the popular “Cop Camp Out” at Benkovic Field the icing on the cake, organizers said.
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The event, billed as “the ultimate Emerson kids’ adventure,” ran the afternoon and evening of Saturday, Aug. 26, with a movie, a magic show, two video game trailers, ice cream, classic cookout fare, and rides for a field full of families enjoying the waning days of summer.
For the 65 families who arranged for tent space after hours, the party continued into Sunday, with two more movies and a bonfire theirs to enjoy overnight.
On Sunday morning there was even a continental breakfast.
According to Police Chief Michael Mazzeo, the event, within a handful of years old, is a tradition much in demand.
“We get a lot of parents calling in the lead-up to the event, which is great. They say, ‘We take our kids to Disney World, we take them to the islands, but we don’t want to miss the Emerson Police Department Camp Out.’”
Except for a few officers who were attending weddings that weekend, all of Mazzeo’s officers were at the field to donate their time, making sure that kids and families had fun.
Mazzeo described it as a bonding experience for his department.
“It’s a lot of work, a lot of time that’s put into it—it’s really substantial—but we believe it puts the department in a good light and I think that people really appreciate us giving back to the community,” he told Pascack Press after the event. He said the department has long offered open houses and that the campout brings the town together.
The weekend kicked off Saturday at Hillman Park at 4 p.m. with blow-up rides for the kids, a sizzling grill, welcome tents, free coolers with goodies for kids and parents, and gift cards good at an ice cream truck.
Johnny Magic of Englewood’s Jest Master Productions held his young audience rapt with a spellbinding magic show at which flames leapt and “oohs” and “aahs” flourished.
Later, those who set up in “Tent City” at Benkovic Field put out their chairs and enjoyed more time together for movies, pizza, popcorn, and drinks, and of course the bonfire.
“I happen to be one of the older guys. It’s so rewarding to see these younger officers, many of whom are just starting out with new families, get to know each other and get to know our residents. It’s a good overall experience,” Mazzeo said.
He added that he encourages younger officers to take a lead role in community outreach. He credited Officer Glenn Howard, in particular, for his efforts to make the event a success.
“It’s nice to think that, as the years go on, the younger guys will pick up where we left off. The future is bright,” Mazzeo said.