Livingston Police Relations: LPD To Hold 2016 National Night Out

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Hey Livingston… say hello to your local police department.

According to a Livingston Police Department release, the department will host its 2016 National Night Out event on August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Memorial Oval.

Police stated that the national event is designed to “strengthen neighborhoods though police-community partnerships,” a mission even more relevant in the face of recently renewed police/community tensions following tragic shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

• See related article: Police Shootings Incite Protest, Outrage In Essex County

“The goal is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs and, most importantly, represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places to live,” an LPD news release stated. “It’s also the perfect opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other even better. This event promotes various crime prevention programs that are active in Livingston including neighborhood watch groups, residential and business security surveys, bicycle registration and crime prevention tips.”

The event is free and will include food and drinks, helicopter landings, K9 Units, the NJ National Guard’s leadership rock climbing wall, rides, games, live music, a DJ, the Livingston Fire Department’s water sprinkler, face painting, balloon sculptures and an open photo booth.

Pizza is being donated by Anthony Francos, Master Pizza, Calabria, Landmark, Livingston Pizza, Pizzeta Enoteca and Jerusalem Pizza.

Livingston’s event is supported by donations from the Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, Dunkin’ Donuts, Huntington Learning Center, Inglemoor Rehabilitation and Care Center, Kiwanis Club of Livingston, Livingston BID, and Livingston Chamber of Commerce.

In case of rain, the event will be held inside Livingston High School.

Photo: Pictured, from left, Officers Ralph Kolbusz and Gary Mankowitz, Community Policing Unit, and Chief Craig Handschuch, from Livingston Police Department, along with Margie Heller, Administrative Director of Community Health and Outreach, and Stephen P. Zieniewicz, FACHE, President and CEO, Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

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