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Chester County Press

Regional police celebrate National Night Out at three locations

08/13/2019 01:43PM ● By Richard Gaw

By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer 

On April 23, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) Public Safety Commissioners and the Avondale Borough Council agreed to an 18-month contract with the regional police to provide 24/7 coverage to the borough's 1,400 residents, that began on July 1.

On Aug. 6, hundreds of residents of that town came out in droves to thank their new police department – as did many residents in Toughkenamon and West Grove – all at the same time.

With the support of more than two dozen sponsors, the regional police held three simultaneous events last Tuesday evening in recognition of National Night Out, a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. Held annually since 1984, the event enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

The Avondale event, held at the corner of State Street and Gap-Newport Pike, included a performance by the Avon Grove High School Marching Band, pony rides, moon bounce, face painting and an appearance by the 1067 CTC affiliate of the National Guard. Just up the road in the West Grove Borough, the center of town teemed with activity, from food trucks to a performance by the Younger Than Charlie Band to EMS demonstrations by the West Grove Fire Company.

While the 2uesday Night Band entertained the steady stream of visitors in attendance at the Toughkenamon event, members of the regional police gave bike patrol rides to children, and at the dunk tank, New Garden Township Supervisor Richard Ayotte and township manager Tony Scheivert volunteered to get wet at the dunk tank.

“From a borough perspective, it's important for us to partner with both our regional police force and the business owners in our community,” McCummings said. “We depend on the business owners to support the event through donations, and by their doing so, we're able to provide the many activities that are available for our residents to enjoy. In these trying times nationally, it's as important as anything to try to keep your community as tight-knit and as close as possible.”

In Toughkenamon, Rep. Christina Sappey of the 158th District thanked the regional police for “all they do for us every single day, every month, 24-7, 365,” and presented Police Chief Simpson with a certificate form the Commonwealth that recognized the contributions the department has made.

Sappey also recognized the large crowds who turned out for the three events.

“You're coming out tonight shows the importance of community,” she said. “Regardless of what's happening on our national stage, you cannot take the love of our hometowns away from us.”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].