Atlantic County residents got a chance to meet their local law enforcement and have some family fun as municipalities celebrated the annual National Night Out.
The annual celebration was started in the Philadelphia Area in 1970, and has grown to become a national event where millions of neighbors across the country celebrate community policing on the first Tuesday in August.
“I believe the community understands that with community policing, we are engaging residents in helping to ensure their safety. That’s important in today’s environment," Ventnor Police Chief Joe Fussner told Downbeach.com. "We are taking a kinder, calmer approach toward policing, which is what the nation wants at this time.”
He said it was heartening to see civic groups join the event and offer fun and games for the children.
Galloway and Egg Harbor townships reported large turnouts and their events, which bring crowds each year.
Atlantic City was also among those celebrating the annual event.
Galloway Township also said that those who did not get their fill are invited back Aug. 17, when the township celebrates its 250th anniversary.