Police officers handing cotton candy and snacks to kids, and answering their questions, were seen along Chamber Street in Bradford Tuesday during the annual National Night Out celebration.
The community-building campaign, which was bolstered by beautiful weather, promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Officers at the event, which appeared to have a few hundred people in attendance, included Bradford Township Police Officer Tim Gigliotti who said the celebration was “a good community event for the kids.”
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police Chief Richard Harsen said he also thought the event was good for all involved.
“I think it’s wonderful to bring the community together and have our local law enforcement here,” Harsen said. “We have the townships, the state police, the District Attorney’s office and K-9 units, so this is bringing a lot of law enforcement together — there is support on our part as well as the community.”
Harsen said he also thought it was nice to see a whole new generation of younger officers on hand who appeared to be relating well to the youngsters.
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer said she, too, believes the event is very much needed.
“Our county has two towns participating, both Bradford City and Kane, as well as numerous officers throughout the county and the district attorney’s office in both events,” Vettenburg-Shaffer said. “The importance of this, particularly in current times, is to encourage children and families to make connections with the local police, where children can be reminded that police officers are their friends.”
She said the event also emphasizes to children that if they’re ever in trouble they can reach out to a police officer for help.
“That’s what is happening here and the reception is very good among the community,” she remarked. “I think we’re lucky to live in an area where the police are respected and very much supported. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in other areas.”
Sarah Matzer, Main Street/Elm Street Coordinator in the city, said she was pleased with the turnout.
“We’re so glad the community and law enforcement officers came out to enjoy the night with us,” Matzner said. “We also want to thank our sponsors, the (Neighborhood Partnership Program) advisory board, Kathy Oberymeyer, Beefeaters Restaurant” and Northwest Bank.
Obermeyer, a local realtor, is a longtime advocate of police and has a son in law enforcement.
“When they asked me if I wanted to co-host (the event), I said, ‘Without a doubt,” Obermeyer said.
A parent at the event, Missy Scott, said she brought her three children to the activity and they enjoyed the amenities.
Scott also noted that “it is nice to get out of the house and do something before school starts up again.”
Another parent, Erin Bridge, said she appreciated that her daughter, and her daughter’s friend, could attend.
“It’s definitely a nice community outreach for the kids,” Bridge said.
The event also included free snacks and food for visitors, the Bradford Family YMCA’s “Slider” bounce house, music, story-time with police officers, face painting, cart rides by Percy the Police Poney and a visit from Coco the Bear of the Bradford Chocolate Factory.
In addition, Bradford Mayor James McDonald entertained the crowds by allowing himself to be doused in the Dunk Tank by children and adults.
