Washington Lake Park was packed with thousands of locals on August 4 to celebrate National Night Out.
National Night Out is an annual, nationwide initiative that began in 1984 as a way to connect police departments with their local communities. Over the last 42 years, it has become a beloved tradition for police officers and residents.
The Washington Township Police Department (WTPD) hosted the event, making it a celebration of the officers and first responders in town, as well as a celebration of the residents, families, colleagues and town officials who make their roles have purpose.
This year’s National Night Out was the largest in Washington Township history, according to the WTPD.
Vendors, food trucks, sponsors, activities, rides, games and emergency response vehicles filled up the park. On-site parking was even filled up a half hour before the official start of the event; however, there were free shuttles offered to guests who had to park in overflow parking outside of the park.
The event was sponsored by several local organizations and businesses, all of which had representatives present and set up at tables or activities. Additionally, there were many other local organizations and businesses to meet and learn about (and receive free goodies). Township committees, local officials, religious organizations, youth sport leagues and healthcare services were just some of the groups gathered.
Washington Township’s fire department, EMS, and ambulance and rescue association also joined WTPD, all of which had emergency response vehicles on display and ready for guests to tour. First responders showed off equipment used in their daily operations to teach the community what working as a first responder is really like.
Chief of Police Pat Gurcsik at the dunk tank during Washington Township’s National Night Out.
The night kicked off with a performance of the National Anthem from 19-year-old resident Makenzi Egizi (see our story on her recent performance at a Phillies game). She sang on stage in the amphitheater, while guests paused, held their hand over their hearts and looked at the flag hung beside the stage.
Shortly after, many guests gathered at the dunk tank on the opposite side of the stage. Chief of Police Pat Gurcsik took a seat at the tank while guests took their best shot to dunk him in. After a few throws, he ended up in the water. Other Washington Township figures, like Council President Peter Del Borrello III and Mayor Anthony DellaPia, followed suit and took a seat at the dunk tank.
There was plenty of fun for folks of all ages, though most activities leaned towards kids. A ferris wheel, large inflatable bounce houses and race tracks, carnival games, a mechanical bull, foam cannons, Disney character photo-ops, and pony rides were just some of the most popular attractions. McGruff the Crime Dog, mascot of the National Crime Prevention Council, was also wandering around and taking photos with kids.
In another unique moment from the night, local chainsaw artist James Pizzuto carved bears from wooden logs in the middle of the festival grounds. Guests could watch and listen to him, and one lucky raffle winner went home with one of his handcrafted bears.
There also were informational activities and demonstrations led by WTPD.
WTPD’s K-9 unit gave a live demonstration, featuring the unit’s four dogs and their handlers.
A driving while intoxicated (DWI) experience was one activity. Guests could put on glasses that simulate being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They then got to drive a police golf cart, with an officer sitting in the passenger seat, to understand what it really is like to unsafely drive while intoxicated. This acts as a lesson to make smarter choices after becoming intoxicated.
The live K-9 demonstration attracted a large crowd. During this session, the K-9 unit displayed the common training and tasks its four K-9s participate in. It featured K-9s Rogue, Vino, Rip and Red and their handlers, and they performed in a variety of activities, including sniffing out lost items and drugs, chasing runaways, and following orders.
The dogs are trained in patrol and narcotic scent, meaning they can help assist officers in instances where someone may be trying to run away from the police or use their sense of smell to seek out missing people, lost items, or narcotics.
At the end of the demonstration – which had the attention of people of all ages – guests had the opportunity to meet and pet the dogs.
Throughout the entire night, an admiration for the Washington Township community was consistently expressed by residents and first responders, which is what the night is all about.
There are still a few opportunities left to enjoy summertime at Washington Lake Park’s amphitheater. The final movie screening of the season will be “Bad Guys 2” on Friday, August 14, and the final summer concerts will be on Sunday, August 23 and Sunday, September 13. The Seafood & Music Festival will be a day-long event on Saturday, August 29, wrapping up the town’s summer festivals.
Washington Township’s National Night Out on August 4 brought in thousands of locals to enjoy an evening of entertainment and community.
