Police-Sponsored Summertime Events: Save the Date and Offer Support
By Julie Perine on June 14, 2012
Bridgeport Police Department is calling on the community to support two high-profile events.
“Stop the Bullying” Campaign Kick-Off will be held noon-4 p.m. June 30 at Meadowbrook Mall and the annual National Night Out is slated for 6:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Bridgeport Pool.
It’s the first year for the anti-bullying event, with which the Bridgeport PD is partnering with both WVAQ Radio and the mall, said Tammy Renzelli, victim’s advocate with the department.
Addressing attendees will be Brian Jozwiak, former lineman for West Virginia University and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Also on the agenda is a live radio remote, some big screen TV feed, a police motorcycle display, K-9 dog demo, DUI interactive simulator trailer and prize drawings – one for $500 in mall merchandise.
It’s all geared toward advocacy for treating peers with respect and putting a stop to abusive behavior through physical, emotional or cyber bullying means, Renzelli said.
National Night Out has been a staple event in the community for several years, said Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker.
“It’s a national anti-drug and anti-crime program, targeted at building a rapport between law enforcement and the community and gaining support for crime prevention programs,” he said.
On tap will be free swimming and food, as well as giveaways and prize drawings. Live entertainment will be provided by the band, “Now and Then.”
Also expected to make an appearance is WVU Mountaineer Mascot, Jonathan Kimble.
Already on board with the effort are local restaurants Buffalo Wild Wings and Chick-Fil-A, as well as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, GFWC of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Fire Department, the FBI CJIS Division, the Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia State Police.
Bridgeport PD welcomes all businesses, organizations and individuals who would like to join forces to make the event successful.
“We’re looking for sponsors in the way of food, prizes or cash to purchase items,” Walker said. “We also welcome them to set up booths for their own informational purposes.”
The event is always very well attended and serves multiple purposes, said Bridgeport PD Deputy Chief Randy Hartley.
“It’s a nice evening for the community to come out and meet members of law enforcement in a laid-back setting in which there is no emergency or tragic event, but just an atmosphere where the officers can interact with the public,” he said.
It’s the youngest attendees on which the biggest impact is often made.
“One thing we like about it is that the kids get to come out and meet us and see that we’re just normal people,” Walker said. “Then when they have a problem and need to talk to a police officer, hopefully they’ll be able to put a face with a name.”
For more information or to become involved, call (304) 842-8260.
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