The annual National Night Out drew significant turnouts across the area last night as the public showed an interest in engaging with their local elected officials, first responders, civic organizations, and some local businesses. Locally, the City of Newburgh, Town of Newburgh, and New Windsor celebrated the event.
This year was New Windsor’s first time participating in the growing event. The Town of Newburgh opted in several years ago. The City of Newburgh was the first in the region to begin observing the national event over two decades ago.
New Windsor drew a large crowd of residents at the Kristi Babcock Memorial Park on Mount Airy Road. The New Windsor Police Department was on hand with their Motorcycle Unit and their Bicycle Unit. The town police as well as the ATF conducted K9 demonstrations. The Vail’s Gate Fire Department, New Windsor Fire Department, and New Windsor Volunteer Ambulance Corp each had rigs and volunteers at the event to interact with the public and allow them to see the insides of their emergency vehicles. The New York State Police provided a horse patrol to the delight of children and adults, while also conducting a recruitment drive.
Young attendees were able to climb a rock wall, play in a bounce house, and get their faces painted. Members of the New Windsor Police Department and the Recreation Department worked side by side barbecuing food for the public.
The City of Newburgh held their event on Broadway near the City Hall. Many of the city agencies turned out for the event, including the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Water Department, and more. Mayor Torrance Harvey and members of the City Council came out to speak with their constituents. Members of the Police Community Relations and Review Board were present with an informational booth and spoke with the public. Mobile Life Support Services was on hand interacting with the public. Police officers and firefighters had two grills set up and were busy barbecuing free food for the community. Police brass helped the Salvation Army hand out over 500 free ice creams to the public. The Newburgh Free Library and numerous civic groups also attended and provided information from booths.
The Town of Newburgh’s National Night Out was held at Chadwick Lake. Recreation Department employees, the Town Police Department, the Town of Newburgh Emergency Medical Services, the town’s volunteer fire departments, and elected officials were out and about speaking with the public. The event also drew numerous local business owners and vendors, who all had booths set up. Town police officers barbecued chicken and other foods, which were given to the public for free.
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District was out in all three municipalities with their Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team. School officials handed out resources and spoke with families.
