Morgantown to host first National Night Out, with a nod to Fairmont
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MORGANTOWN - For more than four decades, National Night Out has served as an annual community building effort aimed at strengthening the relationships between first responders, particularly police officers, and the communities they serve.
Since its inception in 1984, the concept has spread from the suburbs of Philadelphia to include millions of neighbors in some 17,000 communities across the country, including 17 registered cities in the state of West Virginia.
This year, for the first time, the city of Morgantown is among that number.
It has a neighbor to thank for the inspiration.
"I moved into the role of Special Projects Coordinator [for the city of Morgantown] about a year ago. When I moved into that role, I had just experienced my first National Night Out in Fairmont, and I loved it. I thought it was a really cool concept. I spent a lot of time researching the national organization and what they do, the purpose of the event and all that information," Shannon Davis explained. "So, the first thing I did when I moved into the role here was present it to both our city managers as well as [Morgantown Police] Chief Powell and other key players like [Morgantown Fire] Chief Freshour."
The result of those conversations is Morgantown's inaugural National Night Out event to be held from 6- 8 p.m. Aug. 5 at Krepps Park.
Think of the free family outing as a touch-a-truck opportunity turned up to 11.
While the showcase will certainly include opportunities to get up close and personal with police, fire and EMS vehicles and equipment, Davis said the evening is meant to engage residents of all ages by including demonstrations from the police and fire departments, among others.
"The police department's K-9 division is going to be showcasing how the canines would typically work a scene. Our fire marshal's office is going to be showcasing the drone capabilities that they use within their department. The joint dive team, which is both police and fire, is going to be doing demonstrations in the Krepps Park Pool," Davis said. "In addition to that, there are going to be other demonstrations happening throughout the event itself from community organizations. There's a group that's going to be showcasing women's self-defense techniques. I believe the sheriff's department is going to bring "drunk goggles" to provide a simulation of what it's like to be intoxicated, and things like that."
When the pool isn't being utilized for dive team demonstrations, BOPARC is offering extended swimming hours the evening of the event.
Various organizations, some 40 according to Davis, will be on hand hosting interactive tables featuring free resources, swag, hands-on activities, games, demonstrations and educational experiences. There will also be giveaways and an event raffle.
The evening will include a ringing of the Freedom Bell and a community message in honor of fallen first responders.
"I think any interaction that we can have with the community is really vital because it helps build strong, foundational relationships with members of our community. It helps tear down barriers that might exist between the community and police officers," Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell said. "It helps the community see who their officers are and really personalizes it. They get to see them in a positive atmosphere, in a positive light. It helps bring down barriers that might exist, or preconceived notions that might exist about police officers, and who they are and what they do."
Powell explained that large segments of the population really don't have interactions with the police, and therefore their knowledge about their local department is very limited.
"This will help show them what we do and where we're coming from," he said. "It's important that people understand that we're coming from a place of wanting to help rather than a place of wanting to enforce the law and punish people."
Morgantown Fire Chief Gary Freshour said events like this give the community an opportunity to meet the people behind the mask.
In terms of this event, they'll also get to meet the department's arson detection K-9, Chance.
"Obviously, people have an idea about what we do, but especially for the fire department, they're the jack-of-all-trades. There's a lot of times people will see us out and say, 'You guys do that? Oh, and you guys do that?' So, it's definitely neat for the exposure, just getting people to understand and build the confidence in their local department," Freshour said.
Rene Graves, the Fairmont grant administrator who is helping coordinate the Friendly City’s night observances Aug. 4 at East Marion Park, agrees.
“It’s a chance to meet police and first responders under fun, relaxing circumstances,” she said of the evening that will run from 6-9 p.m.
“Usually, it’s not a good day when you see them up close,” the administrator continued. This shows that they’re your friends and neighbors, working to protect and serve.”
Look for games, prize giveaways and lots of splashing in the park’s signature Wave-Tek pool, she said, plus informational table staffed by representatives from a host of outreach agencies.
And those giveaways? She was poised to leap — like a kid at poolside readying to do a cannonball.
“I get to go shopping for them today,” she said. “This is my Christmas.”
Reporter Jim Bissett contributed to this story