National Night Out is a crime to miss

Wanted: Crime stoppers of all ages!

If either Mayor Joseph Polisena or Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini were placing an advertisement about Tuesday’s National Night Out, it probably would have begun with those words.

However, the invitation would also include lines like bring your appetites and enjoy camaraderie and community fun during the 17th Annual National Night Out that will begin at 5 p.m. at the Dunn Building inside Johnston War Memorial Park.

If Johnston’s previous National Night Out celebration offers any measuring stick, this Tuesday’s edition may just be one of the best events ever hosted by Polisena and the award-winning JPD’s Community Policing Unit.

The event is open to all residents, and will include a food menu ranging from sausage and pepper sandwiches, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers cooked by JPD officers, and accompanying items like potato salad.

“We’ll also have pastry for desserts as well as the traditional cake,” said Chuck Psilopoulos, and officer with the Commercial Enforcement Division who has been a mainstay during many National Night Out celebrations. “There will also be raffles, entertainment and T-shirts for the kids.”

Psilopoulos, who has shared the charcoal grill duties with fellow officers in previous years, will be joined by Sgt. Luca Lancellotti and Jeff Ciccichitelli. JPD officers will be assisted by members of the department’s award-winning Johnston Police Explorers Post 405, who have helped make pervious National Night Out celebrations a success.

But the National Night Out, which is in its 34th year across the country, is more than just fun, food and games. It’s designed as a crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from all 50 states, U.S., territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

Statistics show that 38.5 million people participated in NNO 2016 and this year’s event is expected to be the largest ever.

“National Night Out against crime is a very successful annual event that brings the local community together with the police department, enhancing the relationship between them,” Polisena said. “It’s a great night for law enforcement and the community.”

While it’s also one of Polisena’s most favorite events that affords the town to show off yet another use for its pristine park, the same holds true for Chief Richard S. Tamburini who has initiated many community events during his 20-year plus tenure with the JPD.

“The National Night Out promotes police-community relationships,” Tamburini said earlier this week. “It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive and informal circumstances. Together, we are making our community safer and a more caring place to live and work.”

NATIONAL NICHE:

Johnston Police Officer Chuck Psilopoulos, Det. Major Thomas Dolan and Chief Richard S. Tamburini are just a few members of the JPD who’ll present the town’s 17th Annual National Night Out Tuesday evening, beginning at 5 o’clock, inside War Memorial Park. There will be free food and fun for the entire family.Cutline for pix on sheets slugged 08-02-16 741

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COOK’S CORNER:

Johnston Police Sgt. Troy Maddocks, Jeff Ciccihitelli and Chuck Psilopoulos will be manning the charcoal grill during Tuesday’s 17th annual National Nigh Out celebration in Johnston.

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SUPER SERVERS:

Cami Corrente (left) and Marie Conti of the Johnston Police Community Policing Unit will be among the many people serving a variety of free foods during Tuesday’s local edition of the National Night Out.