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Community joins in on the fun

Local police departments host National Night Out events

Across Mifflin County, Tuesday night, residents gathered in Belleville and Rec Park, in Lewistown, to celebrate the National Night Out. The events are annually held on the first Tuesday night in August. The main concept behind National Night Out is to bring both the people of Mifflin County and the police that serve and protect them together.

Jess Aurand, a detective of the Mifflin County Regional Police Department, said that the event is a great way for the local departments to get involved in the community. She said that MCRPD holds the event annually in Belleville because being within it’s jurisdiction, it is important that officers come and interact with the residents they serve.

“Crime prevention and getting the community together is what it is all about,” Aurand said.

At the MCRPD event, officers were doing photo identification cards for children, and the adults had fun being able to participate in a “name that place” quiz. During, residents were tasked with identifying locations in different photos from around the jurisdiction of MCRPD. At the end of the game, residents were entered into a drawing for a gift basket to be won at the end of the night.

There was also an obstacle course with a special twist. Kids put on “impairment goggles” while running the course, which police said was an opportunity for fun, but also a chance to show children some of the dangers of being drunk.

Residents in Mifflin County also attended a separate National Night Out event put on by the Lewistown Borough Police Department.

Jim Zubler, the Executive Director of Downtown Lewistown, Inc. was pleased with how the event went off, “I think we had a good turnout this year,” he said. “It is just a good event that reinforces community partnerships.”

At the Rec Park event, police had K-9, Tank, there and officers were helping kids get their fingerprints taken in case of an emergency.

Mayor Deb Bargo was happy to see many smiling faces at National Night Out and stated that it’s rewarding.

Lewistown Borough Council member, Matt Moore, who was also walking around and enjoying the sights said, “The only thing I can say about the event is that it is great.”

Both department’s events were well attended and local families like Christina Wilson’s, from Belleville, had a great time stating, “We came for a family night out”.

Interim Lewistown Borough Police Chief Dave Clemens stated that he believes the night was positive and good for the kids in the area.

“I think the kids really enjoyed it,” he said. “It allows them to see that we are accessible and reliable.”

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