Port Washington Police District Finishes Summer with a Pair of Community Events

Forming connections with its community is a focal point of the Port Washington Police District (PWPD). The PWPD hold events throughout the year that enable residents to join its officers in celebrating their community, with two of the biggest coming in the late summer.

Families connected with local police officers, firefighters and community organizations at Lions Field on August 4 for the PWPD's fifth annual National Night Out celebration. The free event gave residents an opportunity to meet local first responders and build positive relationships outside of an emergency.

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"National Night Out gives our officers and residents the chance to get to know one another and strengthen the trust that helps keep Port Washington safe," said Kevin McCarroll, Chief of Police for the Port Washington Police District. "We were proud to see so many families at Lions Field and grateful to every partner who made the evening possible. We look forward to seeing everyone at next year's event!"

Attendees explored police and fire vehicles and equipment, enjoyed food and activities, and received special giveaways, including backpacks and school supplies giveaway that the PWPD officers coordinated. Overall, the event was a coordinated effort between the PWPD, the Sands Point Police Department, the Port Washington Fire Department, Littig House Community Center and Port Washington Youth Activities. In addition, more than 35 local companies, vendors and nonprofits were on hand to provide their services to attendees.

"This event, as it does every year, showed what makes Port Washington such a special community," said Sean McCarthy, Chair of the Port Washington Police District Board of Commissioners. "Families connected with our officers and other first responders, children saw their work up close, and neighbors shared a memorable evening together. We thank our partners and everyone who helped make this year's celebration a success."

The evening also featured the annual community softball game, in which the Port Washington Fire Department defeated the PWPD 13 to 11.

Later in the season, the PWPD brought its popular "Coffee with a Cop" community policing initiative to the Sinclair at Port Washington. The latest iteration of this community-connecting activity gave residents of the senior living and care community an opportunity to meet directly with District leadership and officers, ask questions and discuss issues important to them.

"Coffee with a Cop is about meeting residents where they are and making it as easy and comfortable as possible to connect with the men and women who serve them," said Chairman McCarthy. "Bringing this event to The Sinclair allowed us to spend meaningful time with residents, hear directly from them and strengthen the relationships that are at the heart of effective community policing."

Chairman McCarthy was joined by Commissioner Angela Lawlor-Mullins, Assistant Chief Bill Zwerlein, Deputy Chief Nicholas Dello-Iacono, Sergeant Peter Griffith and Police Officer Richard Cuomo. Together, they spoke with Sinclair residents in an informal setting, answered questions and shared information about the Police District and its work throughout the Port Washington community. The gathering also gave officers and residents an opportunity to get to know one another outside of an emergency or service call.

The event continued PWPD's ongoing effort to create welcoming opportunities for residents of all ages to engage directly with local law enforcement. Through "Coffee with a Cop" and other outreach initiatives, the District works to keep communication open, better understand community concerns and ensure residents know the officers who serve their neighborhoods. Information about future events will be posted at portwashingtonpd.ny.gov and on the District's social media platforms.