Johnston Police forge bonds with community during National Night Out

The Johnston Police Department was appreciative of the enthusiastic participation, turnout, and support of their highly successful National Night Out 2023, which was held at Johnston War Memorial Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

National Night Out is a tradition that brings together law enforcement agencies and local communities to foster strong relationships and build safer, more united neighborhoods. The event surpassed expectations, with well over 1,000 attendees joining in games, activities, bounce houses, balloon artists, dunk a cop, and much more.

Johnston Police Chief Mark Vieira was pleased with the large turnout and emphasized the importance of events like these in strengthening the bond between the police department and the citizens they serve.

"National Night Out holds great significance for our community as it creates stronger relationships between law enforcement and our residents,” Viera said. “It's a night where we come together to have fun, promote crime prevention, and build trust. This event plays a large role in strengthening our neighborhoods and promoting a safer environment for everyone."

Thanks to the support of community partners and organizations who volunteered and contributed donations to the event, this year's National Night Out was a resounding success and provided a memorable occasion for all.

"We are extremely grateful for the support and participation from our local vendors and volunteers. Their involvement added an extra layer to the event, offering a range of games, activities, and refreshments for our attendees,” Vieira said. “The community greatly appreciates their contributions and their presence made this year's National Night Out an unforgettable experience."

Chief Vieira also expressed his appreciation to Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr., Councilwomen Linda Folcarelli and Lauren Garzone, and the officers who dedicated their time and efforts to the event, adding that their commitment to building a safe and tightly-knit community was commendable. He said that the Johnston Police Department looks forward to continuing its collaborative efforts and hopes to see an even greater turnout at future events.

"Our town leaders and our officers' commitment to our community were evident throughout the evening. They went above and beyond to connect with residents, have meaningful conversations, and showcased our approachability.”

Editor’s Note: Tim Forsberg, a former Johnston Sun Rise editor, now serves as Accreditation Manager for the Johnston Police Department.