National Night Out a hit in Bethel Park

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Sonic the Hedgehog embraces Rylie Elliott, 18 months, during National Night Out held Aug. 4 at Miners Park in Bethel Park.

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Officers from the Bethel Park Police Department were out in force for the annual National Night Out event held Aug. 5 at Miners Park. From left are Lance Mattes, Craig Smeltz, Lt. Sean McGrail, Mike Dunn, Matthew Poling and Amber Carruba.

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Mark Sokolowski holds his son, Mark, as they pose for pictures with one of his favorite animated characters. Stitch from the Disney film, “Lilo & Stitch,” as well as Sonic the Hedgehog made guest appearances at Bethel Park’s National Night Out event held Aug. 5 at Miners Park.

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Amelia Beemsterboer examines the array of school supplies that were available during National Night Out.

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Callie Everhargt and Cindy Holland accept a junior police badge sticker during National Night Out.

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Brittany Weiler and her son, Mason, 7, watch as an artist creates a lion out of a balloon during National Night Out.

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Lt. Joelle Dixon registers a family for free prizes and giveaways during National Night Out on Aug. 5 at Miners Park.

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Keenan McEwen gets his face painted by an artist during activities at National Night Out, sponsored by the Bethel Park Police Department.

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Jillian and Brandon McEwen of Bethel Park bring their family, Keenan and Ashton as well as 8-month-old Stella, to enjoy the camaraderie of community at National Night Out at Miners Park.

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The Murphys of Bethel Park said that National Night Out was a “great night out for the family” as the children enjoyed the slides as well as the visits from animated characters. Pictured from left are, front, Jordyn and Brooklyn, and back, Ryan, Angela and Kevin.

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BETHEL PARK – Good guys do dress in black, particularly those wearing police uniforms.

Keegan Beemsterboer wants his daughter, Amelia, to understand that, so he regularly brings her to National Night Out, which is held the first Tuesday in August across the country.

Established in 1984, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It is an opportunity for the public to meet law enforcement personnel in a non-confrontational, casual setting.

“Ever since Amelia was little, we have come to meet them,” Beemsterboer said. “Anytime we can make them more comfortable with them is a good thing. It’s important to get them used to the police and know they’re the good guys.”

South Hills residents had the chance to see the Bethel Park Police Department as well as other first responders, such as firefighters and paramedics, in a whole new light when they attended the annual National Night Out on Aug. 5 at Miners Park. They had the chance to see them as ordinary people so that when an emergency arises they will not be afraid to contact them or call 911.

“This is how we get to really know the community, know the faces and really have conversations off to the side where there is no pressure, no agenda, no issues, just giving information,” said Amber Carruba, who is the community resource officer for the police department. “It’s so much easier to come up and just have a casual conversation with us during events like this.”

National Night Out, she added, is a great event because of the community interactions.

“We get to know the community away from the calls, and the citizens get to know us on a more personal level and have some fun.”

BP’s event featured plenty of entertainment.

Pittsburgh DJ Truck provided live music, Beedles the ice cream had treats, and Hills Snack Bar the nostalgia foods from days gone by, such as hot dogs, popcorn, pizza and Icees.

There was face painting, a balloon artist, vendors giving away free items as well as raffles for donated prizes.

Jillian McEwen of Bethel Park is a fan of National Night Out. She attended with her husband, Brandon, two sons, Keenan and Ashton and 8-month-old daughter Stella.

“We love it,” she said. “We love coming out and doing things in the community, meeting different people and interacting with all the police, fire and first responders.”

Sonic the Hedgehog and Lilo also made guest appearances, much to the delight of the many young fans of the animated characters.

“Vincent wanted to see Sonic,” said his mother Laura Necci. “He’s our favorite.”

Mark and Nicole Sokolowski agreed in part as they introduced their son, Mark, to Stitch.

“He loves Stitch, but he likes Sonic too,” said Mark’s father.

“This is really beautiful. A really nice event. Great time,” said Mark’s mother.