Monroeville celebrates National Night Out

Local residents celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 2 at Monroeville Community Park West in Pavilions 2 and 4.

Despite a morning of rain, the sun came out just in time for the festivities to proceed in full force.

Attendees received an up-close look at municipal safety services while viewing demonstrations from Monroeville Detective Division, Fire Departments 6 and 5, municipal public works trucks, and emergency medical technicians. Services including Allegheny County’s Bomb Squad and Port Authority’s K-9 unit were also in attendance.

“I’m excited about the turnout,” said Doug Cole, Monroeville police chief. “A lot of families have shown up to enjoy the night.”

Children were able to board firetrucks, explore ambulances and sit in unmarked police cars. The event’s music was accompanied by a medley of horns and sirens when the youngsters were given the go-ahead to learn what each button in the vehicles did. They were also welcomed to try on a bulletproof vest used by police officers and to see confiscated explosives.

“It’s a relief to see everything come together the way I thought it would,” said Michele Dusch, administrative assistant to Cole. “We want the kids to enjoy themselves and learn about each department as much as they can.”

To make the presentations more approachable, children were given a scavenger hunt card and received a stamp at each demonstration they visited.

Later in the night, an emergency response helicopter landed in the center of the event and showcased its equipment. As the event progressed, guests were welcome to explore the tables being run by local vendors. The Monroeville Parks and Recreation Department set up a table where attendees could make their own bead bracelets, and Monroeville Public Library had STEM-based games and handed out build-your-own-boat kits.

“We wanted to have a summer theme for our games,” said Olivia Moe, a children’s librarian. “We have the kids come up and make predictions of whether or not what they throw in the water will sink or float. This gives kids a chance to learn a little bit about densities and of course, a chance to splash around in the water.”

The police department’s Crime Dog welcomed people to the police table, where model cars of different types of police vehicles were laid out in a display case. There were also cardboard cutouts of police cars with which guests could pose.

The Meadows was serving ice cream while police officers handed out hot dogs. Families sat at picnic tables to dine as they watched members of C.S. Kim Karate give demonstrations on the grass with members of their classes.

“It seems like everyone is enjoying themselves,” said Dusch. “Especially the kids. This is also a way to show where some of the money that Monroeville residents have to put out goes. We want them to see that they are getting their money’s worth.”