As National Night Out went on across the United States, the Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Township Police Departments got together to host National Night Out at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. Attendees enjoyed crime education, free food and music.
After about 15 years of not holding any National Night Out activities in the town, Sea Girt patrolman and event organizer Robert Melendez was called on to start up the fun again.
“The police chief told me five years ago he wanted me to start up National Night Out again and I was the man to do it. It’s a national event all over the United States. This one is new because we’ve added the Spring Lake Police Department with us. Our first year it was just us. Our second and third years we added Spring Lake Heights and last year and this year, Wall Township and now Spring Lake,” said Melendez.
Now in its 5th consecutive year, the event featured two popular crime education activities -- the fatal vision goggles and resuscitating Annie, plus tables from various companies including ADT, D.A.R.E, 180 - Turning Lives Around, and more provided education.
Cones were lined up (when they were not getting knocked down by drivers) in a maze like structure and a patrolman was driving through it.
“We’ve always had the fatal vision goggles. They give you the impression of a drunk driver. The cones could be people,” said Melendez.
A truck from the company Shred It was on site for people who wanted to shred up documents.
“People dump and dive all the time,” said Melendez, noting the importance of shredding up documents to prevent identity theft.
Kids and parents curiously peeked inside the ambulance which had what appeared to be a live person laying on a table -- it was resuscitating Annie making an apperance who was there for attendees to learn about First Aid.
Project P.A.C.K.M.A.N - Police and Community Kids Music Narcotics -- was the band behind the tunes of the evening.
“We play all of the state and even played in front of Bruce Springsteen before, “ said Melendez who in addition to Sea Girt patrolman, also serves as the founder and president of Project P.A.C.K.M.A.N.
“We’re going to be finishing up our 8th year. It’s a program for musicians in 7th grade through seniors in highschool,” added Melendez.
“I’ve been coming to this event for the past four years. It gives a great message to kids. There is free food and it’s good,” said Nicole Heilos of Spring Lake Heights.
Many families brought their little ones out. 2-year-old Colin of Spring Lake Heights was excited to wear his fireman hat.
“His dad is on the force and we came out for him tonight,” said mom Erin Willms.
“The biggest thing we’re dealing with now is property crime in Wall and surrounding communities,” said Wall Township Police Captain Gerald Ihnken who manned a drug education table.
Also manning the drug education table was patrolman Serge Ridoux.
To prevent crime, both encourage everyone to lock their doors.
“Lock your doors and roll up your windows. If you hear or see something unusual in your neighborhood, don’t be afraid to call the police. We need the eyes of the community to help us,” said Ridoux.
The event was a big sucess.
