RB, FH: A NIGHT OUT, A BITE OUT OF CRIME

A demonstration of driving with “Drunk Goggles” is part of the programming in Red Bank, as police departments in two local boroughs invite kids to take part in the National Night Out initiative.

From press materials furnished by Red Bank Police Dept., Fair Haven Police Dept. and Sen. Jennifer Beck

There’s an Inflatable Dalmatian Bounce House. A gaming tent, face painting, cookout favorites, prize giveaways — and even a chance to Dunk Tank a local official. It’s not the Street Festival, Block Party or Fireman’s Fair, but an altogether different kind of event that makes itself at home in the community each summer — the annual Night Out in Fair Haven and Red Bank.

Presented by the Police Departments in both local boroughs on Tuesday, August 5, the 12th annual event is once again part of a National Night Out community outreach program, in which law enforcement personnel from coast to coast invite the youngest members of their communities to learn about safety and police work in a friendly and fun setting.

Introduced in 1984, the Night Out initiative is designed to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and the sending of “a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”

“I’ve been involved in Red Bank’s National Night Out for years, and each year it gets bigger,” explained state Senator Jennifer Beck. “We’re really looking forward to talking to folks in the community, to help promote a positive relationship with the police here in town. My staff and I will be on hand along with a table of information and games.”

FAIR HAVEN

Beginning at 5 pm at the Youth Center (located behind police headquarters), the Fair Haven program features complimentary food and beverages for all guests, prize drawings from local businesses, and giveaways from Target of Middletown. The evening will commence with the landing of the MONOC Air Medic Unit helicopter in the field behind the police station, with the emergency response chopper remaining on view for the duration of the event.

Other activities at Tuesday’s Night Out in Fair Haven include:

Dunk Tank (sponsored by the Foundation of Fair Haven)

Inflatable Dalmation 5 in 1 Bounce House (sponsored by Fair Haven Fire Department)

Inflatable gaming tent (sponsored by the Fair Haven First Aid Squad)

Karate demonstration (presented by Fair Haven Martial Arts)

K-9 demonstration with K-9 Nanook (presented by  Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office)

Demonstration by the Academy of Music and Drama

Special appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog

RED BANK

Beginning at 6 pm and continuing through 9 pm in the parking lot of Borough Hall (corner of Maple Avenue and Monmouth Street), the Red Bank event offers complimentary food prepared by members of Red Bank PBA Local #39, plus face painting, music, games, giveaways, and more. A neighborhood walk will conclude with a tour of police headquarters, and there will be displays of equipment from the borough’s first responders.

A number of governmental, nonprofit and volunteer organizations from throughout the community will be on the scene with informational displays. The RBPD will also be offering interactive displays and activities, past examples of which have included a “drunk goggles” obstacle course, a radar baseball throw, and a child ID booth.

In addition to Senator Beck, other local dignitaries serving as co-presenters of the Red Bank event are Assemblywomen Mary Pat Angelini and Carolyn Casagrande, Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna, and borough Police Chief Darren McConnell. More information Red Bank Night Out can be had by calling (732)933-1591.