The Bridgeport Police Department is sponsoring its second annual National Night Out event on Tuesday.
It’s part of a national celebration that takes place the first Tuesday of August annually, promoting police and community partnerships and relationships.
Bridgeport is one of two communities in the area that participates; the other being Wheeling.
The lack of participation locally was one of the original reasons behind Police Chief John Bumba elected for Bridgeport to participate back in 2019.
Not sure what to expect for the first time out, Bumba was pleasantly surprised with the 2019 edition.
“We didn’t think anyone would come out,” Bumba recalled. “But we had probably anywhere form 500-700 people at least.
“It was an awesome turnout the first year.”
Like nearly everything else in 2020, the coronavirus canceled what would have been the second Bridgeport Night Out Event.
But it’s back and better than ever, slated for 6-8 p.m. at the rotary shelter at the Bridgeport school complex.
Fun Events for All
The highlight of the evening will be a performance by budding local country music artist Gage Joseph, who also played the event back in 2019.
Joseph is steadily growing into an in-demand fan favorite locally and Bumba is excited he’s returning to play the Night Out event.
“He’s really phenomenal,” Bumba admitted.
But Joseph won’t be the only entertainment.
Ohio Valley Airsoft is erecting an electronic shooting board. Bill’s Towing is sponsoring bounce houses for the kids, and Spiderman and his crew will be there.
STAT MedEvac will be landing its helicopter for people to tour the chopper and meet the crew. Bridgeport PD will also hold a K9 officer demonstration.
Local pizza shops like Domino’s and Sha Nay Nay’s Pizza, and Pizza Express have all donated pizza for the event, and United dairy along with the Exxon in town are providing drinks.
The best part? Everything is free, from the events and bounce houses to the food. Free of charge.
“Everything is free and that’s why we didn’t invite any food trucks because we wanted this to be an entirely free event,” Bumba said. “Everything has been donated.”
Speaking of donations, the Bridgeport PD will also be handing out school supplies. The PD, Bridgeport Park District, and other community members have donated school supplies.
They will be available for students in any grade.
“Come on out and meet the police department and have a fun night for a couple of hours,” Bumba said.
About Night Out
As the website states, the “best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings.”
The National Night Out campaign began in 1984. It encompassed 400 communities in 23 states and that number has only grown since.
Today, NNO has grown into a massive event, with more than 16,000 communities participating and 38 million neighbors gathering for night for a good time and to get to know one another.
Equally as important, it allows the citizens a chance to meet the officers in a more casual setting.
“Instead of us going to a call, you can come and meet us and see who we are and what we do,” Bumba said.
For more information, visit the Bridgeport Police Department Facebook page.
