Milton Police Department Hosts a Family 'Night Out'

By nature, a police station is a place associated with negative experiences. The complex issues of society often find their way into buildings like the Milton Police Headquarters at 40 Highland St. The exception to the rule in Milton is the annual National Night Out.

Wednesday, August 4, the Milton Police Department opened its doors for a free night of family fun. The combination of open house and kids carnival featured everything from a canine demonstration to a bounce house and from a teacup ride to SWAT gear people could try on.

The department hosted the event each year from 1995 to either 2001 or 2002 according to Chief Richard Wells. When Wells became chief in 2007, he brought the event back. Joking the Night Out is like the Field of Dreams; Wells said the evening is always well attended by Milton families.

"To me it's a credit to the men and women who work here and the community who come here," Wells said of the Night Out's success.

While some of the features change each year, the concept stays the same. This year's event included three bounce houses and a blowup boxing ring. There was also face painting, a balloon artist, live music and a hot air balloon.

Familiar faces in the community also greeted residents. Police officers helped grill hotdogs and sausages while groups like the Milton Animal League, the Discovery Schoolhouse, the DCR and the Milton Rotary all hosted tables.

For Wells, the evening is also a chance for the department to show off their resources. Representatives from the Boston Police Department and the Norfolk County Sheriff displayed the collaborative efforts Milton is involved in. Tours of the Milton police vehicles as well as the headquarters were available for the public.

A new piece of equipment on display last night was the department's new marine unit. The $30,000 boat, which the department received via a Marine Corps grant, will be used in emergencies on the Neponset River. Along with the boat, four officers were trained to respond to situations on the river.

Now in its third year back on the calendar, Wells said as long as he's with the department the National Night Out will continue as a summer tradition.