VENTNOR – This year’s National Night Out event held in Ventnor Heights attracted many families looking for a fun night of community revelry. Organized by Ventnor Special Events and sponsored by the city’s public safety organizations, including the Police and Fire department unions and the Ventnor Business Association, the event drew hundreds of people, most of them children.
The message was clear: the relationship between law enforcement and the community is strong and police and firefighters are here to keep the community safe.
National Night Out, held each year on the first Tuesday of August, was first held in 1984 by National Association of Town Watch to encourage police and civic groups to unite for crime prevention. Since that time, the event has grown nationally from a night to turn on your porch lights and spend some time meeting neighbors, to community celebrations in central locations. NNO events were held in many Atlantic County communities this year. Ventnor chose to host its event at Ski Beach, where concerts are held Wednesday nights during summer. The concert on Aug. 6 will feature information about how to stay safe during hurricanes.
The Atlantic County SWAT Team demonstrated how it would apprehend a suspect who refused to exit her vehicle. The team emerged from an armored vehicle fully protected in riot gear, with one officer setting off a harmless explosive device that attracted the attention of the driver, who was wearing a long blond wig.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office was on hand to chat with residents about how law enforcement keeps communities safe. The Prosecutor’s Office is currently promoting a safety message for e-bike riders, who are required to follow safety regulations, just like drivers operating motor vehicles.
The Police Department distributed free T-shirts for children.
“We’re hoping they wear them on the first day of school,” Ventnor PBA President Ptl. Blake Ballen said.
At the Fire Department’s tent, Fire Official Joseph Iannuzzelli handed out soft pretzels, with mustard upon request.
Teens played cornhole, while younger children tried their hand at the basketball and baseball blow-ups. Mayor Tim Kriebel showed what a good sport he is by climbing into the dunk tank, where children, and even Commissioner Maria Mento, took turns trying to drop him into the water. Mento was successful on her third try, and others lined up to take three pitches at the bullseye. Most were successful.
Food trucks offered something good to eat and participants got the opportunity to inspect several public safety vehicles lined up with lights flashing.
Members of the Ventnor City Municipal Alliance were on hand with giveaways professing positive messages to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Municipal Alliance Coordinator Kathy McFadden handed a little red squishy doll to a youngster. It said, “Do hugs, not drugs.” Another giveaway carried the message, “Have a ball without alcohol.”
The overall message for children and teens was to “make good choices.”
Enjoy our gallery of photos:
Ventnor held its annual National Night Out event Tuesday, Aug. 5 at Ski Beach.
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