Families, police officers spend time at National Night Out festivities in Schuylkill County

Hyun Soo Lee, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
Updated ·3 min read

Aug. 1—Families spent time with local law enforcement Tuesday during National Night Out festivities, observed in several locations across Schuylkill County.

First held in 1984, the event focuses on efforts to promote a sense of community and build rapport between local residents and law enforcement.

At the Pottsville event, held at the JFK Recreation Complex, children lined up to try out the police vehicles and interacted with local officers.

Ten officers, including city Police Chief John Morrow, were on hand for the event, which included demonstrations of a surveillance drone and a visit from the K-9 unit of the Department of Corrections.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to interact with the public and the community, so that people don't see us in a bad way and feel more comfortable to approach and speak to us," said Patrolwoman Anna Flail.

Also at the event, a representative from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was on hand to distribute informational pamphlets and promote alcohol abuse awareness.

Pottsville was among nine municipalities that the PLCB visited for this year's National Night Out festivities; other locations included Philadelphia and towns in Cumberland and York counties.

Cynthia Kurtek, alcohol education specialist with the PLCB Bureau of Alcohol Education, supplied patrons with materials on PLCB programs, including "Know When, Know How," a campaign about the dangers of underage drinking.

There were also materials available for children, as well as pamphlets with resource information and other alcohol-related issues.

For years, Kurtek said, it has been "tradition" for the bureau to team up with National Night Out and spread the word at select locations across the state. Kurtek also served as PLCB's representative at last year's event in Orwigsburg.

Several children lined up at the Pottsville police's table for tickets for free hot dogs and cotton candy, courtesy of the Giant Food store in Cressona. Police also handed out temporary tattoos, police badges, stickers and informational pamphlets.

Early in the evening, families gathered at a corner of the complex to watch a demonstration involving two K-9s, Fredy and Lex.

Orwigsburg

In Orwigsburg, the festivities kicked off with a police car parade on Market Street.

Afterward, patrons gathered at the parking lot of M&T Bank and enjoyed free food, games and music provided by a DJ.

There was also a dunk tank, where hurlers attempted to soak Orwigsburg police Patrolman Bobby Bechtel.

Most of the children succeeded in dunking Bechtel, who was drenched throughout the evening.

Among the children who threw at the tank was 12-year-old Landon Bayer, of Schuylkill Haven, whose father, Brandon Bayer, is an officer for the Orwigsburg Police Department.

"I think it's pretty fun," said Landon, who had never been to a National Night Out event. "I like it."

There was also a bounce house for kids, as well as information tables from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the DCNR Bureau of Forestry.

Orwigsburg Police Chief Vince McDonald said that last year's event — the first in the borough — was a success, drawing about 100 visitors. He estimated that Tuesday's event would "triple" that turnout.

"It's a good opportunity for the community to get together, hang out with the police department and spend some time together on a beautiful night like tonight," he said.

National Night Out festivities were also held at the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company; Frackville Community Pool & Memorial Park; and Rangers Hose Company in Girardville.

The event is held annually on the first Tuesday of August.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085