Board of County Commissioners Director James R. Kern III and Sheriff James J. McDonald Sr. plan to attend every National Night Out celebration in Warren County this Tuesday, August 3, to support the campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Seven towns are planning for National Night Out activities.

“National Night Out is an important annual event that allows the community to connect with those who police it,” Kern noted. “Members of law enforcement are able to better do their jobs when citizens and police become familiar and trust one another,” he explained, adding, “The men and women of the departments of Warren County are some of the finest in New Jersey and this is a great opportunity to get to know them.” 

According to McDonald, “Crime is on the rise throughout the country and we are losing too many of our youth to the drug epidemic. It is refreshing to see so many of our Warren County residents participate in National Night Out to take a stand against crime and support the many first responders that serve them.” 

“We are very grateful for their support,” McDonald added. 

“Sheriff McDonald and I hope that by attending these events, we will highlight the importance of the day,” Kern said, adding, “We look forward to seeing as many residents as possible attend.” 

This year, National Night Out events will be held in the following Warren County communities: 

• Alpha, 6-9 p.m. at Alpha Fire House 
• Hackettstown, 6-10 p.m. at the Community Pool 
• Lopatcong, 5-8 p.m. at Lopatcong Park 
• Mansfield, 6-9 p.m. at Tri County Fire Department 
• Phillipsburg, 5-8 p.m. at Shappell Park 
• Pohatcong, 6-9 p.m. at Huntington Fire House 
• Washington, 5-8 p.m. at Meadow Breeze Park. 

“Since last March of 2020, our communities in Warren County have been sheltered from each other because of the COVID-19 virus. Finally, on August 3, 2021, our communities will unite with National Night Out. I must say it is about time to reunite,” said Pohatcong Chief Scott Robb, who is president of the Warren County Police Chiefs Association. 

“Through National Night Out we are able to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, generate support and participation in local anticrime efforts, and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back,” Robb said, adding, “We all look forward to seeing everyone at our special event.” 

The National Night Out campaign started in 1984 as an outgrowth of the National 

Association of Town Watch established three years earlier to provide community watch groups the necessary information, resources and assets to stay informed, interested, involved, and motivated within the community. 

National Night Out was introduced through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states, and it has grown to now involve thousands of communities from all 50 states, plus U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. 

Customarily held the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October), the event has moved beyond its origins as a night of front porch vigils and symbolic efforts among neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out activities now include neighborhood block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more. 

To learn more about National Night Out, visit https://natw.org.