Berlin Borough residents took to their streets and neighborhoods on Aug. 5 to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event designed to build connections between communities and police.
Unlike many towns that host a single large gathering for the event, the borough has embraced a more personal approach, with residents and business owners hosting block parties to mingle with police and members of the fire department, EMS, the borough’s Office of Emergency Management and other partners.
National Night Out began in 1984 as a grassroots effort by the National Association of Town Watch, headquartered in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Initially promoted as a simple “front porch vigil” to encourage neighbors to turn on their lights and spend the evening outside, it is now celebrated in all 50 states.
Berlin’s version of Night Out featured cookouts, music and opportunities for families to explore emergency vehicles and talk one on one with their first responders.
“National Night Out was a great community outreach event, as it is every year,” said police Lt. Joshua Smith. “Our residents and businesses always come together …”
First responders were divided into teams who also visited residential, business and health-care locations during the event.
“It is great to see such a successful response and support from our community,” Smith noted. “The purpose and message remain the same for us: get to know your neighbors, your first responders and those around you who want to help raise awareness and create working relationships which help prevent crime and continue the mission of public safety.”
The fire department shared its gratitude for the borough’s Night Out.
“It was amazing to connect with our residents, who truly are the backbone of our town,” the department said in a statement. ‘Your energy, support, and community spirit made the night unforgettable.”
