National Night Out Returns to Ocean County Tuesday

Residents from Lakehurst and surrounding communities are invited to get to know their local law enforcement officials during the 30th annual National Night Out on Tuesday.

From 6 to 10 p.m., members of law enforcement will mingle with an expected 1,000 locals at the Lakehurst baseball field at the corner of Chestnut and Myrtle streets.  

“It strengthens the partnership between the police department and the local community,” said Officer Matthew Kline, who worked to organize the event. “We’re looking forward to seeing all of the residents.”

Though the event is held in Lakehurst, neighboring residents are welcome to attend, and many do from Manchester and Toms River, according to Kline.

In addition to emergency service personnel from Lakehurst, Manchester and the Joint Base, Ocean County’s SWAT Team and K-9 unit be on-hand for demonstrations, Kline said. Local band Silk and Steel will provide the music and food and prizes will be available.

The event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. First started in 1984 to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts, about 37 million people in 15,110 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide participated in last year's event.

National Night Out events also will be held locally in Brick and Lakewood, according to the organization.