‘We are more than just our uniform’, Community Night Out delivers a blast

Princeton’s Community Night Out was a successful summer evening of community fun and games.

Thunderstorms this year postponed the annual event to Aug. 13, but under the blazing sun children laughed, residents and visitors grabbed hot dogs, Princeton police officers were dunked in the dunk tank, and families were able to enjoy the Community Park Pool for free.

“We have events throughout the year where we try to be a part of the community and better that relationship that we have,” said Sgt. Dan Federico, lead organizer of the event. “This is our signature event, and we could not do it without our partners.

“To see so many people out here after Community Night Out was postponed makes us think we are doing something right, and it is great to see everyone on a much more informal and personal basis.”

The Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 130, the Princeton Police Department and the Recreation Department organized this year’s Community Night Out which took place in front of the Community Park Pool entrance and in the parking lot at 400 Witherspoon St.

“A lot of times people just see us as a uniform and times like tonight they get to see us behind the grill cooking hot dogs, Federico said. “We are people too and it is nice to put our guard down a bit and let our personalities come [out].”

Community Night Out is Princeton’s version of National Night Out, an annual community building campaign that was created to make communities safer and build trust between individual communities and their police departments.

“To have a great turnout after the rainout is just awesome,” Police Lt. Tom Lagomarsino said. “The best part for me is watching all the kids have such a great time between the dunk tank, face painting, swimming in the pool, [and] asking for 1,000 hot dogs.

“We are having a good time. People get to see we are more than just our uniform and they realize we are just people too.”

Families were able to explore Princeton Fire Department vehicles and an up and close look at a heavy rescue First Aid and Rescue Squad vehicle, ambulance and its equipment.

Children raced each other through the inflatable boot camp bounce house obstacle course and American themed bounce house course with a slide.

Princeton residents along with others from surrounding municipalities enjoyed Community Night Out.

“I come to this every year, and I invite all the people I’ve worked with,” said Kathy Rivers, a Montgomery Township resident. “I encourage people to come out to Community Night Out, it really is a blast.

“The best part for me is the people, music and displays. I think if any town or community has the opportunity to do something like this they should because it brings people together.”

A line formed through the evening as young children took turns throwing a ball at the dunk tank target to see if they could dunk a police officer in one or a couple throws. Laughs and smiles were all around when their throws were successful.

“It is called Community Night Out for a reason,” Mayor Mark Freda said. “If you just walk around see all the different people that are here, all sections of town, and all different ages and backgrounds.”

Tables also lined the sidewalk for families to learn more about various local organizations and children lined up to have their faces painted get mini tattoos painted on.

“We have so many participating agencies and groups just having a great time,” the mayor noted. “Community Night Out is just a really great event.”