Community Corner

South Brunswick’s National Night Out Ranked 2nd In Nation

South Brunswick achieved the ranking for cities or areas with a population of 15,000 to 50,000.

South Brunswick achieved the ranking for cities or areas with a population of 15,000 to 50,000.
South Brunswick achieved the ranking for cities or areas with a population of 15,000 to 50,000. (South Brunswick Police Department.)

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – After taking a two-year hiatus, the South Brunswick Police Department held its 2022 National Night Out celebration amid much fanfare and enthusiasm from the community.

The police department’s event has now been ranked 2nd in the nation by the National Association of Town Watch, which recognizes communities for their participation and engagement during the event.

South Brunswick achieved the ranking for cities or areas with a population of 15,000 to 50,000. The first place went to Bartlett, IL.

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The event held on Aug. 2, brought together law enforcement, residents, businesses, and guests for an evening of bonding over shared concerns and successes.

“It is only with the help and support of our entire community that the South Brunswick Police Department is able to provide the level of service our community members deserve,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“I would personally like to thank everyone involved in the event for making it our best celebration in our history.”

The police chief praised the volunteers who came out to help and the officers who worked tirelessly to create a welcoming environment.

“And of course, without the immense support of some key businesses in the township, the event would not have been possible,” Hayducka said.

Over 6,500 residents attended this year’s event. During the event, staff and volunteers served around 2500 hot dogs and 500 vegan dogs, 1500 bottles of water, 2000 ice creams and ice pops, and 4000 bags of popcorn and chips.

There was music, dance, rides, bounce houses, displays by the police department, FBI, fire departments and first aid squads, games and prizes, and a tug-of-war competition with the police department, fire departments, and first aid squads.

“The community/police partnerships nurtured during Night Out will continue to benefit the town and its residents for years to come, providing safe crime-free and drug-free activities, and transforming our developments into neighborhoods, and our town into a true community,” Hayducka said. “We eagerly look forward to participating in National Night Out 2023.”

Here's the top 10 list of 2022 award winners in the category:

  1. Bartlett, IL
  2. South Brunswick Township, NJ
  3. Miami Township, OH
  4. Coppell, TX
  5. Munster, IN
  6. New Brighton, MN
  7. Walla Walla, WA
  8. Sanford, NC
  9. Oakdale, CA
  10. Redmond, OR

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.