Published August 22. 2025 10:27AM
South Whitehall Township joined thousands of communities across the country who held a National Night Out activity on Aug. 5.
National Night Out evolved from the National Association of Town Watch inspired by a Lower Merion Township resident in 1971.
It became a national event in 1981.
He wanted residents of a community to meet and get to know their local police officers.
In 1984, it became National Night Out and included all first responder services and local government agencies including, fire, emergency medical services, emergency management agencies, as well as local government agencies.
There was a full cadre of South Whitehall police officers, firefighters and representatives of the Cetronia Ambulance Corps at this year’s National Nigh Out.
Other community agencies were South Whitehall Emergency Management Agency, Community Emergency Response Team, South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County Special Operations Team and Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
A Chinook helicopter, operated by the Pennsylvania National Guard landed in a large field on the grounds and provided visitors the opportunity to learn about the operation and function of the heavy-lift helicopter from Staff Sgt. Michael Segrest and pilot Warrant Officer 1 Joseph Haas.
The helicopter is stationed at the Fort Indiantown Gap military installation in Lebanon County.
Jeff Ranz, musician partner with “Duplexity Duo” stands with son-in-law Kyle Standzn, daughter Jenna Standzn and sleepy Quinn, of New Tripoli, during the South Whitehall Township National Night Out celebration held Aug. 5 at Covered Bridge Park.
Members of the South Whitehall Township Police Department bike squad bike around Covered Bridge Park during the township’s National Night Out celebration held Aug. 5 at Covered Bridge Park.
A generous contribution during the South Whitehall Township National Night Out celebration is by the Tilghman Street Starbucks store. Colleen McCabe, shift supervisor and Conner Martel, manager with son Amos, provides various products free of charge to visitors.
Cetronia Ambulance Corps Chief Marketing and Development Officer Kim Blichar offers a second pencil to Arya Eschbach, of South Whitehall, during the South Whitehall Township National Night Out celebration.
Tri-Clover president and firefighter Trish Burkhardt hands out fire prevention materials to Mia Cruz as Bella Cruz and Sophia Anthony look on during the South Whitehall Township National Night Out celebration.
“Duplexity Duo” musicians Joe Hilgar and Jeff Ranz provide delightful live entertainment during the South Whitehall Township National Night Out celebration. Additional photos appear on Page A7.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDSouth Whitehall Township Manager Tom Petrucci, Cetronia firefighter Barry Eigen and Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz, get together in front of Cetronia Tower 3.
