Crowds gathered on the grounds of Cherry Hill High School East to come together as a community and meet their first responders at the township’s National Night Out.
More than 2,000 residents celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 5 in Cherry Hill, among many towns locally and nationally that use the first Tuesday of the month to help the community interact personally with police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders.
National Night Out began in 1984, though the township has only had its own celebration in the last 15 years at the municipal building. For the first time this year, it was held on the grounds of Cherry Hill East. Arranged around the stretch of grass on the school’s athletic fields, National Night Out featured booths for area businesses and organizations and food and ice cream vendors, among other attractions.
“Everyone enjoyed music, activities, games, local food and a chance to connect with our police department and first responders,” said Mayor Dave Fleisher. “I, along with township council, thank (Police) Chief (Capt. John) Ostermueller and the Cherry Hill police department for their commitment to bringing our community together through this annual event.”
On the road surrounding the high school, vehicles that included a police car and motorcycle, a fire truck and an ambulance all had doors open so attendees could peer inside, learn how the pieces of equipment work and even sit on one for photos. Dunked in a tank for fun were police officers and SLEOs (Special Law Enforcement Officers).
Assemblywoman Melinda Kane addressed the crowd from a stage.
“I just wanted to welcome all of you to a great event,” she noted. “We’re here as a community event to thank our law enforcement, our first responders, our fire department, who keep us safe day in and day out. “So just to thank you to all of those who serve and to protect us … Have a wonderful evening.”
Attractions for kids were also on hand. Two horses led by handlers took youngsters on short rides, while a mobile racing simulator enabled them to play video games with some of the officers.
A number of local nonprofits also spread the word about their missions at Night Out. One was Paws Give Me Purpose, which places paralyzed, elderly, disabled or hospice dogs in the home of its founder, because many are not adoptable.
Carol O’Neill volunteered to help the organization by setting up a table.
“I would like the community to even know about them, because I didn’t know about them until very recently,” she explained. “I’ve lived in Cherry Hill a long time, and so I was hoping to increase awareness. Miracles happen at her (the founder’s) house.”
Another popular draw at the event was a demonstration of the police K-9 unit, how the dogs are trained and what’s required of an officer to pair with a canine partner. Some of the dogs leapt over fabric hurdles as a treat for attendees.
Officer Vince Kaulinis led the demonstration with his dog, Ringo.
“We have hours and hours and hours of obedience with our dogs under our belts,” he pointed out. “It’s very, very important. It’s the foundation of everything we do in the K-9 unit.”
The township’s take on the night out also featured a raffle giveaway of nine bicycles. It closed with the audience invited to take to the area in front of the stage for line dances. They included happy numbers like “Cotton Eyed Joe,” the “Cha Cha Slide” and the “Cupid Shuffle.”
