Hundreds Come Out to Celebrate National Night Out

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Hundreds of residents came to the Oval on Tuesday night to join multiple anti-crime agencies in celebrating National Night Out.  National Night out is an annual event that is meant for community police to raise awareness about crime.  It has been held annually since 1984.

The night kicked-off with a ceremony to recognize all local law enforcement agents.  Brittany Dippold sang the National Anthem and awards were given to residents Heather Shulman and Robert Clark.  Shulman .  Clark, a Lieutenant in the Livingston Police Department, while he was off-duty.  Both were honored as the Livingston Police Department Citizens of the Year.

Residents were treated to safety and security demonstrations by the , , and . Blood pressure monitoring was provided by the Livingston Nursing Division, with displays from the American Red Cross, Livingston Youth and Community Services (LYCS), Livingston Senior, Youth, and Leisure Services (SYLS), New York Sports Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other community organizations.  Some local vendors included Target, Subway, Regal Bank and New York Life.

It was a fun night for Livingston's youngest residents as kids played on inflatable rides and played carnival games.  There was also face painting and balloons provided and a DJ who played games with them. 

Sonny Croughn displayed his custom-built vehicle, a one-of-a-kind trike called DARE 2B BAD.  And residents were treated to a helicopter landing by the Atlantic Health Care Air One.

provided free sandwiches to the residents and the Livingston First Aid Squad manned the grill for a barbecue.  Also free snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy and water were given to residents.  provided chips and guacamole as well.

Some local bands played, including Castles and All Real Numbers.

In addition, another was held at the event.  Residents brought canned food to donate to Livingston's C.H.O.W. (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse), which serves as a food pantry for residents and those in surrounding towns in need.  It also supplies local soup kitchens in our area.

The LPD showed off the entries in their to see who can best capture this year's theme; “What does a Safe Neighborhood Look Like to You?”

There was that will support and .  Both families of the boys being supported came to the event.

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