Thousands of families, first responders, elected officials, and community organizations gathered on Aug. 4 at East Main Street Elementary School for Port Jervis’ annual National Night Out, a nationwide event celebrating public safety and community partnerships.
The event featured free food, music, children’s activities, bicycle raffles, emergency service demonstrations, and community resource booths. Port Jervis Police Chief William J. Worden called the event “a celebration of our partnerships and how police and communities have to work together to make communities safer.”
Building trust beyond the badge
One of National Night Out’s greatest strengths is giving officers and residents a chance to connect outside emergency situations.
“It allows us to have fun in an interactive environment with music, activities, games and food,” Police Chief William J. Worden said. “It allows us to get to know each other and to see us as humans because we’re part of the community as well.”
Worden said the department remains focused on reducing crime, keeping illegal guns off the streets, and protecting local children. “We believe that we have a strong partnership with our community, and that we are a very safe community,” he said.
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Toria of the Port Jervis Police Department said the event helps residents learn about available resources while building stronger relationships with officers. “The main goal of National Night Out is to help bring the community together,” she said. “If we build a better bond with them, then it’ll be a lot better.”
Andrew R. Kass, executive assistant district attorney with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, said the event creates a positive opportunity for residents, law enforcement, and community organizations to connect.
“It gives members of the community, members of law enforcement, and other agencies and organizations the opportunity to come together and interact,” Kass said. “We’re supportive of each other, and there’s no animosity.”
Kass thanked residents for supporting local police departments, fire departments, the District Attorney’s Office, and other agencies that serve the community.
Retired law enforcement officer Kent Fressell of the Blue Knights motorcycle organization said events like National Night Out help bridge the gap between police and residents.
“The police are out here participating — not taking enforcement action,” he said. “It can humanize the police to people who might have thought otherwise.”
Community partners serving residents
More than 60 community organizations and agencies connected residents with valuable services and resources during Port Jervis’ National Night Out.
Healthcare providers and community organizations also used the event to introduce residents to services available throughout the region.
Samantha Belen of O’Connor Medical Urgent Care said many people still are not aware of the clinic’s services.
“People still don’t know that we are here,” she said. “We’re an alternative if they can’t get to their doctor or don’t want to go to the emergency room for something minor. Here they get the opportunity to meet us and put faces to the place.”
Williams Francis of Cornerstone Family Healthcare said his organization hopes residents know affordable healthcare is available.
“We offer primary care, specialty care, dental and many other services,” he said. “Even if you have no insurance, we can still see you on a sliding scale based on income and household size.”
His message to the community was simple: “Take care of yourself first.”
Stephanie Zhang, a representative from Gan Jing World, said participating in community events helps the organization connect with residents of all ages.
“Gan Jing World is part of the community,” Zhang said. “We always come to community events and have fun with all kinds of people. It’s a whole world for everybody.”
Zhang said the platform focuses on providing uplifting and inspiring content that promotes kindness.
“All the content we have is about kindness,” she said. “We hope to help people around the world be kind to each other, and that will create a safer environment for everyone.”
Working together for a safer future
New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said National Night Out reminds residents that public safety depends on community involvement.
“It’s very good for our community to come out and associate with our local law enforcement and our first responders and see what they go through every day to protect us,” Brabenec said.
He encouraged neighbors to continue looking out for one another.
“If we work together as neighbors and friends and let police know if we see illegal activity, that’s super important and will keep our community safe.”
Port Jervis Mayor Dominic M. Cicalese congratulated Chief Worden and the National Night Out committee for another successful event, praising the move to East Main Street Elementary School and the impressive turnout.
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