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Chief Raymond J. Hayducka announced that this morning South Brunswick Police Department received word they had been awarded top honors as the best National Night Out celebration in the country. A committee from the National Association of Town Watch evaluates all the community engagement, participation, and community support that goes into each celebration in each community category. The committee found that the department’s effort to engage all aspects of our community, including all age groups and various cultures, made the event outstanding. Chief Hayducka said, “The event highlights the great partnerships we share with our community. We had dozens of volunteers who gave of their time, businesses that generously donated, and thousands who came out to enjoy the night.” Chief Hayducka gave special recognition to Lieutenant Gene Rickle who coordinates the celebration. “Lieutenant Rickle works hard each year to make this night a great success. His planning and coordination were key to the success of the night,” said Hayducka.
 
Lieutenant Gene Rickle said, “This is outstanding to be recognized as the best in the country. We work hard each year, but to be recognized as the best is quite an accomplishment." Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August. We expanded our event like never before to offer more food, rides, and games. That was only possible because we had some great sponsors. This year we had Hermann Total Distribution Service step forward to be a Diamond Level Sponsor, as well as our Platinum sponsors Aurobindo, Coca-Cola, Wakefern, and Dayton Toyota.
 
The event saw over 8,200 people come out, our largest turnout ever. The carnival-like environment with rides, displays, and food created a great environment to highlight the excellent police-community relations we enjoy in South Brunswick.

Staff and volunteers served 2,500 hot dogs and 750 vegan dogs, 8,000 bottles of water, soda, and iced tea, 2,000 ice creams and ice pops, 420 pizzas were made on a wood-fired brick oven truck and served, and 4,000 bags of popcorn and chips.  Attendees enjoyed music and dance, rides and bounce houses, engaging displays by the police department, FBI, fire departments and first aid squads, games and prizes, and a tug-of-war competition with the police department, fire departments, and first aid squads.

Lieutenant Rickle praised all those who came out and made this year's National Night Out an amazing time. “We had perfect weather and unbelievable crowds. The partnership with all our volunteers, corporate sponsors, and residents made it a great night. He added, “We could not have done this without all the volunteers who came out to help facilitate the event, and the officers who worked tirelessly to create a fun welcoming environment for all our attendees.”

Chief Hayducka said he is especially appreciative of the support from the Mayor, Township Council, and Township Manager. “I truly believe this award is a direct result of the Township leaders who constantly show support that fosters great police-community relations.”
 

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