Night Out event set at Blawnox Community Park

A celebration of first responders is set to take place in Blawnox.

The borough’s fourth annual National Night Out is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Blawnox Community Park.

Police, fire and EMS personnel are expected to mingle with residents and others at the event presented by the nonprofit organization, Best of Blawnox.

“We believe this is a great event because it brings together residents from Blawnox and surrounding areas to meet and become familiar with their police and first responders, which is so important in helping to build a safe place to live,” said BoB President Diane Casile. “The expected turnout is about 150 to 200 people.”

The format includes having ice cream with cops, a children’s bike helmet giveaway, bicycle raffles, car seat checks, garden produce giveaways, a visit by Pittsburgh Regional Transit K-9 units and more.

Blawnox police Chief Patrick Goodman said he plans to attend.

“I always like National Night Out,” Goodman said. “Community events in general are great. We get to interact with (the people). We get to interact with the kids. It’s a lot of fun.”

Many police officers pledge to serve and protect their communities not for accolades or pats on the back. However, it does feel good to be appreciated.

“Without the support of your residents, it’s hard to operate,” Goodman said. “That feeling of support goes a long way.”

The Night Out event the chief said he most looks forward to is the community dog walk, which is slated to start at 6 p.m. at the Lewis Avenue side of the park.

“There’s a lot of goofy critters out there, and everybody’s usually happy (to go for a walk),” Goodman said.

More information about the event is available at bestofblawnox.com.