LACEY – The Lacey Township Police Department is hosting its second annual National Night Out 6-11 p.m. Aug. 7 at Gille Park, 56 Manchester Ave. in Forked River.
The event is free.
“The purpose of this event is to strengthen law enforcement and community partnerships, and promote drug and DUI prevention and education,” Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police will join the Lacey Township Police Department to display law enforcement equipment and apparatus. The police department will take photos with visitors in their favorite police vehicles.
There will be a bicycle rodeo, K-9 and drone demonstrations, child ID registrations, helicopter landings and flyovers (weather permitting), and a DJ.
The Forked River, Lanoka Harbor and Bamber Lakes fire departments, along with the Lacey Township EMS, Lanoka Harbor EMS and the Lacey Township Dive Team, will meet guests.
Lacey Township Committeeman Peter Curatolo will attend, representing the Ocean County Board of Health. He’ll be sharing with visitors the “impairment goggles” with Officer Dimitri Tsarnas.
Free hot dogs and other free foods and beverages will be provided by the Lacey Township PBA 238 and Lacey Elks with other businesses and nonprofits.
The park will be open 6-9 p.m. The township Recreation Department will then have an outdoor showing of “Wonder” at 8:30 p.m. Guests are asked to bring blankets to sit on.
“The goal of National Night Out is to strengthen the relationship between the Lacey Township Police Department, our local emergency services, and our community. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to meet with officers from all three law enforcement agencies as well as meet with volunteers from our local emergency services, all while enjoying a fun-filled evening for the entire family. Additional events are forthcoming. Please come out and enjoy a night of fun!” DiBella added.
Public parking will be available at Gille Park northern entrance near the basketball and tennis courts, as well as the Lacey Township Municipal Building and Lacey Township Middle School. Limited parking for credentialed vehicles will be available at the southern gate.
Businesses interested in setting up a display can pick up a registration form 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Lacey Township Recreation Office. Businesses are not permitted to offer any items for sale at this event.
For more information, call Lt. Paul Sullivan Jr. at 609-693-6636 ext. 2577, or the Lacey Township Recreation Department at 609-693-1100, ext. 2203.
