PARSIPPANY — National Night Out is an annual event that was created in 1984 as a crime prevention program with an emphasis on building a partnership between law enforcement and the community. It is currently an established network of law enforcement agencies and community groups, which is designed to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, neighborhood watch, and other beneficial programs. This year marks the 35th anniversary of National Night Out, which is held on the first Tuesday of every August.
Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s attended National Night Out at three locations throughout the County. Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, First Assistant Prosecutor Tom Zelante, Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr., Deputy Chief Steven Murzenski, Sergeant Keisha Higgs, and Detective/Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre were at Mennen Arena in Morristown. Detectives John Cassie and Thomas Spautz were at Fireman’s Field in Rockaway Borough, while Detectives Ramon Lopez and Kaitlin Lobman were at the Butler Borough Police Department. Tables were set up at all three venues, where important public safety information was provided to parents, and small gifts from the Prosecutor’s Office given to children.
This year’s National Night Out in Morris County took place on Tuesday, August 7 from 5:00 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. Numerous Morris County residents spent the night meeting with members of law enforcement and other first responders, while enjoying free food, and entertainment. Once again, the community participation in National Night Out was significant in Morris County.
“Throughout the years, National Night Out has been instrumental in reinforcing the partnership between law enforcement and our community”, said Prosecutor Knapp. “This is just another method of keeping lines of communication open, which helps law enforcement evolve in tandem with our community. I want to thank the members of our Prosecutor’s Office, local law enforcement and our community, for participating in this fantastic event”, he said.
