National Night Out To Connect Police With Community In Central Bucks Co.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — National Night Out is coming to Central Bucks County on Tuesday and Wednesday nights with free, family fun events in Doylestown Township, Buckingham Township, Bedminster/Perkasie and New Hope-Solebury.

National Night Out is an annual, nationwide campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

“It’s a chance to step out of your home, meet your neighbors, and spend time with the very law enforcement officers and first responders who serve your community,” said Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran. “Across Bucks County, our local police departments will be hosting block parties, cookouts, safety demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. It is, in its simplest form, a night out against crime.

“But its importance runs much deeper than a single evening of fun,” says Harran. “In my nearly 40 years of service in law enforcement, I have seen time and again that the bedrock of a safe community is not just the presence of police, but the presence of trust. When neighbors know one another, they look out for one another. When residents have a personal connection with their local officers — when they see them not just as a uniform and a patrol car, but as fellow community members — it breaks down barriers and fosters the open communication that is essential to preventing and solving crime.

“National Night Out is where that vital work happens organically,” said Harran. “It’s where a child gets to sit in a fire truck, a teenager can ask a police officer about their job, and a homeowner can get tips on neighborhood watch programs. It is an investment in the single most powerful public safety tool we have: our partnership. This event sends a clear message to those who would seek to do harm that our neighborhoods are organized, vigilant, and united with their law enforcement agencies.”

Here are some of the National Night Out events taking place this week in Central Bucks County. They are free, family-friendly and open to the public.

Buckingham Township

• In Buckingham, the police department will hold its third annual National Night Out event hosted by Peddler's Village on Wednesday, August 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Peddler’s Village. The evening offers an opportunity to meet local officers and their K-9 companions, enjoy music, local vendors, and food trucks. Some of the vendors include Ben’s Balloon Animals, Up in the Air Balloons, Masking Faces by Stephanie (face painting), Foam Party, and food and sweet treats from Aurora Bistro, PA Bake Ability, None Such Farm, Pizza Village & Restaurant, Philly Pretzel Factory Lahaska, and The Lucky Cupcake Company. The rain date is Thursday, August 7.

Doylestown Township

• Doylestown Township will host National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Central Park, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown. As in years past, the public will have an opportunity to meet and greet emergency responders from the greater Doylestown area, including Central Bucks Regional, Warrington, Plumstead, and New Britain Township. There will be police demonstrations, fire company and ambulance displays, a medical helicopter, free music and light refreshments, and live demonstrations.

New Hope-Solebury

• The New Hope Borough and the Solebury Township Police Departments will be joining together for a night of free fun on Tuesday, August 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Laurel Park (behind the police station) at 3092 North Sugan Road. The evening offers an opportunity to visit with local police officers and firefighters and to view vehicles and equipment. There will be free food, games, and lots more.

Bedminster/Perkasie/Dublin/Pennridge

• The Perkasie Borough Police Department is joining forces with Bedminster, Pennridge Regional and the Dublin Borough Police Departments to stage National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Perkasie Town Center (N. 7th St. and W. Market St). The rain location is the Perkasie Borough Firehouse (5th and Arch). The event is free and open to the public.