CLEARFIELD – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Clearfield Borough police and fire departments held a National Night Out event on Tuesday along Cherry Street in Clearfield.
The purpose of the “block party” event was to build a safer community by fostering relationships between law enforcement and emergency responders and the residents they serve.
There were also opportunities for adults and kids to participate in various interactive highway safety demonstrations, some of which highlighted the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
The event had participation from local law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel, community groups and businesses.
It had kid’s games and activities, food and live music from Heavenbound. The fire department also had a chicken barbeque held in conjunction with the event.
“It’s great to see our community come together,” said Sgt. Nathan Curry of the Clearfield Borough police. “… They get to know who is patrolling their streets, who is answering their fire calls, etc.
“It’s been really great to see the families coming here. It’s very important for kids to learn early not to be scared of their local police, firefighters and emergency crews.”
He continued, saying that “This also gives them opportunities to learn about safety and it’s something they will remember, too.”
Curry was very pleased with the tremendous turnout for the event’s first year. He said he hopes the event, which will be held again next year, will only grow.
Main Street Manager Loretta Wagner said the first event was such a success that local police and firefighters had already committed to next summer.
More About National Night Out
According to its Web site, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October).
Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.
