MANCHESTER, NH – In 1981 Neighborhood Watch groups became a thing, a way for residents to work hand-in-hand with local police departments to keep their communities safe. Now, 40 years later, National Night Out is celebrated around the country by millions of neighbors from thousands of communities on the first Tuesday in August.
It’s one way for police departments to connect with residents – particularly kids – in a fun family-centric atmosphere, while also giving the community information about health and safety programs.
Manchester was among 32 New Hampshire cities and towns which held a community event on Aug. 3 showcasing the many services of local law enforcement and fire officials while highlighting many other community resources.
Representatives from a mix of community and city organizations, including WaypointNH, the Bookmobile, Manchester Health Department, Manchester CrimeLine, Manchester Mental Health, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and Manchester Police Athletic League, set up information tables and had lots of freebies to give away during the three-hour event held at Arms Park.
Kids got up close and personal with the city’s two Mounted Patrol horses, Enzo and General, climbed aboard a SWAT vehicle, did target practice at the SAFE (Students and Families Experiencing) Archery display, and watched motorcycle cops from the Manchester Police Department’s traffic division ride through an obstacle course.
One of the main attractions for the kids was learning more about Patch, Manchester Police Department’s “comfort dog,” which joined the force in January of 2020. The black lab-mix was a rescue dog, which now provides comfort and affection to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools.
