MANCHESTER – While rainy weather pushed it back a week, police from the township and Lakehurst Borough combined forces for National Night Out which drew a large attendance.
National Night Out was created as a means for community police departments to foster communication with residents in an enjoyable environment. The event enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
This year, the local event moved from Lake Horicon in Lakehurst to the Manchester Township High School on Colonial Drive. It featured raffles, live music, free water and soda, displays of first responder equipment and vehicles, local business vendors, K-9 and SWAT demonstrations, a physical fitness competition, plus a traffic safety and DWI simulation course.
The event had the support of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and the Naval Support Activity Lakehurst.
Lakehurst resident Maria Colatarci sells some of her homemade bracelets at a vendor table. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis noted that “it is always a great event every year. We decided this year to switch it to the high school. There is a lot more room for activities there. We have food trucks as well as a lot of vendors and a lot of our emergency services are here as well.”
Lakehurst Police Chief Matthew Kline told The Manchester Times, “I am proud to announce that the Lakehurst and Manchester Police Departments had another great joint National Night Out! Everyone appeared to have a wonderful time and all the special events were a huge hit.”
“This year we lost the donut eating contest by seconds – a job well done by all four officers! Events like these are important for the community and our officers to get to know one another. In a time of need or crisis, the community ties we make during events like this create familiarity with our officers, helping interactions run smoother,” Chief Kline added.
He said, “ It’s great for the officers and community to interact on a personal level and not just a business one. I want to thank both Lakehurst and Manchester residents for a fun night and we can’t wait until next year’s event.”
Chief Ellis reported that “we just finished up our Manchester Police 2024 Summer Youth Academy this past week. We had 15 young students/cadets who came through and spent four days here. They went on trips. They went to our jail; they checked all our EMS stuff out and a K-9-unit demonstration.”
Photo by Bob Vosseller
He also noted that other programs involved the state and county law enforcement agencies and their respective apparatus. They learned about how drills and investigations were conducted. “It went really well and it culminated with a graduation of that class.”
The Youth Academy was designed to operate like an actual police academy for those interested in law enforcement, is held each summer for township students entering 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The objectives are educating cadets about various police procedures and the history of the Manchester Township Police; providing tours of headquarters and a field trip to the New Jersey State Police Museum and Learning Center; and instilling a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in the profession of law enforcement.
Lakehurst Police Chief Matthew Kline (left) and Manchester Mayor Robert Arace sign a proclamation for the annual National Night Out held this year on the grounds of Manchester High School. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Manchester recently started a monthly live stream initiative on Facebook hosted by Sgt. Joe Fastige as a way for the department “to connect with our community, provide updates on township-wide events, share insights into the daily operations of our police department, and offer various safety tips.”
The sessions include a live question and answer session to address any questions or concerns the public may have. Sgt. Fastige said, “we value your engagement and look forward to fostering stronger relationships through this interactive session.”
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 and select areas celebrate 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.
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