Sewickley officers planning first National Night Out celebration

The Sewickley Police Department has joined a national effort to promote police-community partnerships.

The borough force will host its inaugural National Night Out celebration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6.

Nevin Avenue will be closed between Hill and Hopkins streets for the event.

Officers will provide safety information and pass out plastic badges, stickers and sunglasses to children.

The Kona Ice food truck and other vendors are expected to participate as well as a local musician.

“It’s going to be like a block party,” said Sgt. David Yurkovac, event organizer. “Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of it.”

He hopes the event will raise awareness of police-related programs such as drug prevention and Neighborhood Watch.

National Night Out started in 1981 as a community-building event that promotes police-community relationships and is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday in August, according to natw.org.

Borough police have participated in various events, including the Sewickley Chamber of Commerce’s Night Mart, Light Up Night and the Harvest Festival.

Yurkovac said it was time the department put on one of its own.

“It is a specific night for departments all across the country to get involved and have community outreach,” he said. “We want good community partnerships. We figured now would be a good time to start.”

Yurkovac has served as a full-time officer since 2014 and as sergeant for the past two years.

The law enforcement veteran said one of the more popular police efforts residents seem to appreciate is the walking patrols.

“They like to have that interaction,” Yurkovac said. “We’re very fortunate to have the community that we do. It’s a walking community, whether it’s the business district or out on neighborhood streets. Everybody likes to stop and talk to you. That connection is so important. You’re not just some stranger in a uniform.”