Westport Police officials were not sure what to expect, when they organized the town’s first-ever National Night Out.
The event — part of a campaign to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, in all 50 states — was planned for yesterday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jesup Green and the Taylor parking lot.
It’s early August. Families are away. Would the ones that are here be attracted to an unknown affair? Would they even know about it?
No problem!
Westport’s newest tradition was a grand slam. Hundreds of residents — many of them families with young kids, but plenty of others too — came right at the start.
They filled the large space. And they had a blast.
Officer Dominique Carr demonstrates a drone.
There was face painting and glitter, a touch-a-truck, and booths for a variety of non-profits and businesses.
Police offered drone and K-9 demonstrations, an impaired driving course, crash simulator — and a dunk-a-cop booth.
What kid doesn’t love a dunk tank? The dunkees — Westport Police officers — were great sports.
The Fire Department brought a smoke trailer. Emergency Medical Services demonstrated lifesaving techniques.
Jonathan Alloy, Nicole Donovan and Sandy McPherson of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service demonstrate CPR.
Two local bands played. There was plenty of pizza and ice cream — for free.
The Splits — from left Harry McLaughlin, Seamus Brannigan and Ari Sklar — rocked the National Night Out.
The sun was still shining, when the last folks left the National Night Out.
So were the smiles on their faces.
And on the Westport Police organizers’ faces too.
They rolled the dice on a new event.
And hit the jackpot.
Westport Police Captain Eric Woods (right) and friend.
The glimmer body art booth was packed.
Officer Sean Doyle demonstrates fingerprinting.
Yvonne and Guy Claveloux, their daughter Izzy (left) and grandchildren enjoy the “night.” (All photos/Dan Woog)
(“06880” reports on Westport’s oldest traditions — and the newest ones too. If you enjoy stories — and photos — like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)