MILLBURY — Lake Township Police Department is one of only 15 law enforcement agencies in the United States chosen to participate in a special program to promote a crime prevention and community policing initiative.
The event Night Out is being co-hosted by Walbridge Police Department.
Lake Township Police Chief Mark Hummer said that the program involves the First Responder Children’s Foundation, which is sponsoring the program, in conjunction with CSX Railroad.
The foundation is donating about 200 toys for kids ages 1 to 16 to be given away during a two-hour event on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the township Administration Building, 27975 Cummings Road.
“We are proud that the First Responders Children’s Foundation chose us to participate in this program,” Hummer said.
While National Night Out is celebrated nationwide, the special program is the result of a collaboration with several agencies.
“We are working with local CSX Police officials to plan the event,” Hummer said. “In addition to the toy giveaways, we are planning to have a food truck from Smashdawgz, entertainment and a vintage police vehicle display as part of the event.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and private collectors will be displaying vintage law enforcement vehicles, including a 1930 Ford Model A police car.
Entertainment will be provided by Chief Ken Campbell of Walbridge PD, who is a DJ.
In addition to the toy giveaway, Lake Township Fire Department will have their fire safety trailer at the event. The trailer is used to teach children how to escape a burning house.
An ice cream truck from Frosty Streets will also be on hand for the two-hour event.
“The idea of National Night Out is to promote unity between law enforcement agencies and members of the public. This is accomplished while, at the same time, providing crime prevention and community policing information to the public. This is done while having a good time,” Hummer said.
“National Night Pout is traditionally held on the first Tuesday in August, but that would interfere with the Wood County Fair. The following Tuesday is Election Day, so we decided to hold the event on Wednesday, the 9th,” Hummer said.
