National Night Out in Bradley Beach

Local officials and and community organizations gathered at the Bradley Beach Fire House to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2.

National Night Out, now in its 28th year around the United States, is a crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Billed as "America's Night Out Against Crime," the event is meant to strengthen communities and to open the lines of communications between emergency service responders and local residents.

The occasion is traditionally noted by residents leaving their front porch lights on through the night in vigil.

In Bradley Beach, the event continues to grow.

"As you can see, it's greatly successful," Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida said. "It grows year and year."

Guida credited the success to a cooperation between the Bradley Beach Drug Alliance and the Bradley Beach Police Department.

For the last several years, the borough's observance of National Night Out has become something of a block party with family-friendly events and attractions offered alongside valuable public safety information.

This year, fire truck rides from the Bradley Beach Fire Department, two bounce castles, face painting, airbrushed tattoos and a dunk tank manned by Bradley Beach lifeguards were among the many activities available.

Manning a table displaying the various apparatuses used by the borough's volunteer firefighters, department member Walter Wilson explained that National Night Out serves as an invaluable source of information for residents.

Bradley Beach Beach Patrol, Bradley Beach First Aid Squad and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield were also represented with tables and free information for the public during the event.

"We're very please to have everyone come out and be educated a little bit and have fun," Guida said. "It's just a great event."

Dozens of families filled the event grounds, enjoying free food and drink while taking in the festivities.

Ready to take a bite out of crime at any moment was McGruff the Crime Dog, who roamed the area greeting children and having his picture taken.

Awareness for National Night Out even managed to reach an intergalactic level on Tuesday as costumed characters from Star Wars made an appearance.

Animal awareness was also part of the festivities as Carlo DeGrazzio of Carlo's Creature Features brought out some of his favorite reptiles to the event.

In addition to allowing children to get an up-close look at the animals, he also had valuable information to share.

"The main thing is to teach children to pick the right pets," DeGrazzio said.