Crime & Safety
N. Caldwell Police Participate in National Night Out
Members of department provide safety tips; Caldwell police chief recognized.
LIVINGSTON—The North Caldwell Police Department participated in a National Night Out event Tuesday evening at the Livingston Oval. NNO supports local anti-crime efforts and builds a partnership between police and the community.
"This is great, it's wonderful," North Caldwell Officer Bill Panitch said. "The Cedar Grove one was always nice, but this is huge."
Several hundred Essex County residents gathered at the Livingston Oval for games, safety demonstrations, face-painting, inflatable rides and water-slides, free sno-cones and hot dogs, a chance to be sprayed by a fire hose and a pair of helicopter landings. The night culminated with a viewing of the movie "Up."
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The event was one of the few NNO events hosted in Essex County, with many municipalities having to cut back due to budget reasons.
"We normally go to the one in Cedar Grove, but they didn't have it this year," Panitch said. "We always try to get involved."
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Members of the Roseland and Essex Fells police departments and the Montclair State University K-9 Unit were also at the event, offering safety tips and displaying their equipment.
Caldwell Police Chief Kurt Dombrowski was recognized in the event's opening ceremony. Dombrowski was given an award for his service by the Essex County Crime Prevention Association.
The West Caldwell Fire Department's fire safety trailer was set up adjacent to the Livingston Fire Department's vehicles, but was never actually used.
The West Caldwell department loaned its trailer to Livingston, but none of the children showed any interest—surprising firefighter Josh Lewis.
"The kids usually love it, but there were no takers this time. It took so much time and effort to get it here, it's a shame," Lewis said. "It simulates a house on fire, with fake smoke, smoke detectors and sprinklers."
North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer was pleased with the overall turnout and interest in supporting local law enforcement agencies.
"Oh, absolutely," he said. "These days, we need all the help we can get."
