For 35 years, communities across the United States have been partnering up with their neighborhood law enforcement for a once-a-year community-building event. Known as National Night Out, this gathering works toward building strong relationships between law enforcement personnel and the residents of the areas they serve.

The Lehigh Township Police Department participated in its second National Night Out Aug. 7 at Berlinsville Park, and officers were again impressed by the community turnout.

“Last year, we expected 50 people to show up. It ended up being 200 to 300,” Officer Jonathan Roth, who has been with the Lehigh Township Police Department for 13 years, said. “We wanted to participate in this event to show the positive interactions we can have with our communities.

“It’s nice to see people come out and attend things like this,” Roth added.

This year, Lehigh Township followed a theme, “Provide, Prevent & Prevail!” This theme made room for various activities such as a personal document-shredding area, ID kits for children and their families, and talks and demonstrations about staying safe in the neighborhood. There was also food, games, face painting and more.

Overall, the event solidified the idea that law enforcement is here to serve others.

“This event is a great way for the community to meet one another,” said Officer Jessica Edwards, who is in her first year with the Lehigh Township Police Department. “Why wouldn’t we want to show our community that we are here to help?”

The Lehigh Township Police Department plans to move the National Night Out event to a different location in the township each year.

“We are going to continue to expose this event to the community,” Police Chief Scott Fogel said.

Next year’s event will tentatively be held at Indian Trail Park, Pennsville.