The 19th edition of National Night Out is shaping up to be the biggest and best since the Johnston Police Department began hosting the Neighborhood Crime Watch program back in 2000.
“The event is held each year to enhance the relationship between the community and law enforcement,” Capt. Christopher M. Correia explained. “We’re inviting residents to attend this event and enjoy some free food – with desserts – and fun.”
This year’s local program, which will again be part of a national and statewide celebration, is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Johnston War Memorial Park. Admission is free.
“Our National Night Out will also provide and opportunity for people to join their police department and discuss any problems that may be bothersome to their respective neighborhoods and address what could be done to alleviate such problems,” said Correia, who is the Johnston department’s traffic and special services bureau commander.
Moreover, a number of residents who recently graduated from the JPD’s highly successful Citizens Police Academy have volunteered their services. They will be on hand to share their experiences and lessons they learned while taking an inside look in the life of a law enforcement officer during the nine-week course.
“There will be plenty of fun, food and music during this year’s event, which is expected transform War Memorial Park into a large reunion-size venue,” Correia said. “On behalf of Mayor Joseph Polisena and Chief Richard S. Tamburini, we’re inviting all Johnstonians to join our officers for what is and has been an extra-large community cookout. Our law enforcement brothers and sisters are looking forward to a special night.”
Correia, along with Lt. Michael Babbitt and Sgt. Luca Lancellotti – who are sharing duties for the National Night Out event – announced that event-goers will be treated to Don DePetrillo’s famous pizza chips from The Original Italian Bakery and other delicacies.
Likewise, patrolman and resident grillmaster Charles “Chuck” Psilopoulos will be cooking sausage and peppers sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers. Other officers and Psilopoulos’ son Michael, a student at La Salle Academy who has been a valuable volunteer during recent NNO celebrations, will assist him in his culinary efforts.
“The food’s free and so is the water we’ll have on ice,” Correia noted. “There will also be some surprises we’ll soon announce and we’ll also have the traditional NNO celebration cake.”
The celebration will be highlighted, in part, with music provided by disc jockey Jo Vingi.
In keeping with tradition, the National Night Out theme – as Correia related – is like the Johnston department’s motto: “Working together, making a difference.”
“Please, come to the park – the hub of Johnston – on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and be part of this community-building campaign that promotes police-citizens partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie,” Correia said.
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