Community defies storm at National Night Out in Bethel Park

Despite the inclement weather, the Bethel Park Police Department’s National Night Out was a true community event, with 50 participants gathering under the protective roof of a gazebo in Miner’s Memorial Park.

“I feel really bad because it’s such a beautiful event that they put on for the community here every year,” Paula Boles said in response to the unexpected arrival of a storm. “In the last two years we’ve been here, they’ve never had to deal with rain like this.”

Boles said that every time she and her family members see the announcement of the free event on Facebook, they are eager to spend the night with police.

Although it was wet and cold, the visitors had smiles on their faces and some even had their faces painted while squeezed under the roof.

August 6 marked National Night Out, an annual event celebrated on the first Tuesday of the month to promote partnership between law enforcement and the community, according to the campaign’s website.

“For us, it’s just a way to build a bond with the community,” said Police Chief Dave Arnold.

Arnold attended the event for the first time and enjoyed it very much. He said it was great to be able to talk to the children and their parents in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We can have fun instead of being the one who has to go and tell them, ‘No, you can’t do that,'” he said.

The evening featured free pizza from Fat Angelo’s, Beedle’s Ice Cream, raffle giveaways, vendor visits from the community, and Badger, an adoptable husky from South Hills Pet Rescue.

Some children danced to the sounds of the Pittsburgh DJ truck, while others used the playground while it was safe.

The evening benefited not only the community members but also the local businesses involved.

Jim Contakos, regional asset protection manager at Dollar Tree, suggested the idea of ​​having a presence at the event after previously participating in McKeesport’s National Night Out.

“My boss and I talked about how we as a department can work more closely with local authorities so they understand who we are and who they can turn to,” Contakos said.

At the Contakos stand, children were able to choose from a range of school supplies, from rulers to pencil cases, free of charge.

In addition, representatives from the Girl Scouts, the US Army, the ADT Security Service, Crossroads and a face painter showed themselves as part of the community.

As grey clouds rolled in, wind picked up and blew paper off some of the stalls. Moments later, there was a rumble and the skies opened and heavy rain began to fall. Attendees left the event, some staying in the park and seeking shelter.

Despite the storm, the participants were grateful for the evening.

Ed Duschek brought his grandchildren to the event for the first time.

“I was impressed. I didn’t expect there to be so much to see here,” said Ed Duschek. “I thought there would be a few things here, but not this much.”

Duschek said it was a good experience for the children because of the social aspect.

“They should get a good impression of the police officer,” he said.

Although the evening ended with soggy pizza and wet clothes, its goal of strengthening the bond between law enforcement and community residents was achieved.

Amber DiFranco, Bethel Park’s new community resource officer, was responsible for planning the summer evening, “the first big event I’ve had the privilege of organizing,” she said. “Everyone was so open-minded and eager to participate.”

Although DiFranco said it was chaotic putting the organization together, she was happy that everything worked out. And she got praise from her boss.

“She did a great job organizing this in such a short time,” Arnold said.