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Buckingham Police hold township’s first National Night Out

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There was a strong police presence at Peddler’s Village in Buckingham Township the night of Tuesday, Aug. 2, but it wasn’t in response to a crime.

Township Police Chief Michael Gallagher and many of his fellow officers were at the village to help guide the force’s first National Night Out, an event held by other departments across the country since 1984 to help promote stronger bonds between police and the people they serve.

In Bucks County, Doylestown Township, Richland, Solebury, Quakertown, Bensalem, Middletown, Morrisville, Bristol Borough, Falls and Bristol Township were among the other police departments holding National Nights Out on Aug. 2.

At Peddler’s Village, hundreds of area residents who attended enjoyed free hot dogs, soda and cotton candy, other food and drink vendors, live music and many other attractions. Police officers answered questions and chatted with residents while members of Central Bucks EMS and the Midway and Lingohocken Fire companies did the same. Several police and other first responder vehicles were on display.

“Awesome, amazing,” said Doylestown Township resident Brett Miller while enjoying the event with his family. “It’s so nice, especially in today’s society where there is so much negativity about some police units, you can come out and see that these guys aren’t the bad guys. A great family activity.”

Gallagher said the Buckingham department had always held open houses and police memorial days in May but this year decided to take the plunge with its first National Night Out.

“A partnership,” Gallagher said of what he hopes both police and the community get out of the events. “We’re in this together to help promote safety. People need to know police are more than just a badge and a uniform, but people who are here to help and communicate.

“People are telling me about problems I would not have heard otherwise, and it’s a great chance to show off our equipment. People who were wondering about how certain things work can just ask. We’re so grateful to Peddler’s Village for hosting the event and the turnout was so great, more than I expected.”

Debbie Hazelett traveled up from her home in Lower Makefield Township to check out the National Night Out. Her son, Buckingham Sgt. Rick Hazelett, was one of the main organizers of the event.

“It’s the kind of thing that brings out communities from all over, not just the community right here,” Debbie said.

“A great public interaction,” said Buckingham Officer Tim Weber while taking a break from peddling around the event on his bicycle. “And it’s great to have our partners from the fire companies and ambulance squad here to support us. We work so closely with them on so many things.”


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