National Night Out Back In Vernon

VERNON, CT — National Night out is back in Vernon.

The local edition of the nationwide event is slated for Tuesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Ladd & Hall Parking lot in Downtown Rockville. That's a new location.

National Night Out is presented by the Rockville Community Alliance, the Vernon Community Network and the Vernon Police Department and more than 40 local organizations are to be featured.

The entire community is invited for free food and ice cream, free school supplies, free amusements — including a bounce house and a bubble machine — and several giveaways.

Free coronavirus vaccination from Vernon's nationally recognized community vaccination program will be featured. All three vaccines will be available.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign intended to promote partnerships between police and residents, foster a sense of community and make neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

"National Night Out is a great opportunity for our police officers to meet our residents in a fun, informal
atmosphere," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "Partnerships make our community strong, and the
partnership between our police officers and our residents is good for everyone."

Newly appointed Police Chief John Kelley is scheduled to attend along with a team of officers to mingle with those attending.

"National Night Out has always been a big deal for the police department and something we look forward to,"
said Kelley, who has served with the department for 25 years. "We get to meet and talk with the people
we serve, share information, hear their ideas and concerns, and continue to build relationships."

In addition to meeting with police, community leaders, and social service organizations, residents can learn about programs that are available to the community.

"Bringing families and children together to get to know their police officers builds a sense of community," said
Tom DiDio of the Rockville Community Alliance.

Vernon firefighters and police will bring equipment for a "touch-a-truck" event for children. Miss Greater Rockville and her Court are also scheduled to attend.

The rain date is Wednesday.