Centre County Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders Connect With Community at National Night Out Events

As part of National Night Out, two free events that took place on Tuesday night in Centre County, featuring local law enforcement and other emergency services. Hundreds of community members and families gathered to enjoy family-friendly activities while also learning about local services offered in the area. 

Bellefonte police hosted the borough’s first National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. on the waterfront near the Gamble Mill, while Spring Township police hosted its third annual regional event at Giant Food Stores on Benner Pike at the same time. 

Established in 1984, National Night Out is a yearly event that takes place on the first Tuesday in August with the goal of fostering relationships between the police and the community. 

In addition to Spring Township police, the event at Giant hosted State College, Penn State, Ferguson Township and Patton Township police, state police, the Centre County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, Centre County Probation and Pleasant Gap, Undine, Logan, Howard, Walker Township, and Centre Hall fire companies.

Complimentary hot dogs and sides from Giant, as well as food from The Meadows of Happy Valley, Chick-fil-A, Philly Pretzel Factory, and Miller’s Tropical Sno were offered to attendees. 

A helicopter, a Centre County Tactical Response armored vehicle and specialty trucks from Centre Concrete were some of many vehicles on display for a close-up view. Activities included  pony rides, kids ax throwing, face painting and a dunk tank, along McDonald’s characters Grimace and the Hamburglar greeting visitors. 

Meanwhile, police officers, emergency personnel from Logan and Undine fire companies, Mount Nittany Health EMS, Centre County 911 representatives and community leaders spoke with attendees at the Bellefonte police event. 

Visitors had the opportunity to check out vehicles, such as a LifeFlight helicopter, ambulance, fire trucks, a police car and a PennDOT snow plow, as well as take a ride on the firetruck lift.

In addition to free food such, as hot dogs and chicken on a stick, and drinks, activities and entertainment included a petting zoo, face painting, games and a dunk tank, and a host of community organizations on hand with games, giveaways and information on resources.