City Police to Celebrate National Night Out

City residents will once again get the opportunity to learn more about the Portsmouth Police Department and the work they do everyday to protect them when 19th National Night Out celebration takes place on Aug. 6.

According to Cristy Cardoso, chairperson of the Citywide Neighborhood Committee, the celebration will take place in several city neighborhoods from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. City residents will be able to talk to Portsmouth Police officers and get a close look at some of the police cruisers and other equipment that officers use in the field.

Cardoso said the National Night Out features block parties with music and food that are designed to bring city residents and the city's law enforcement community together so they can develop stronger relationships.

The family friendly, rain or shine event, includes opportunities to see fire trucks, police cars,  SWAT vans, front end loaders and other heavy equipment up close as well as some cool face time with McGruff the Crime Dog and his friends from Seacoast Crime Stoppers, Cardoso said. She said they will be making stops in city neighborhoods alongside the Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments and Public Works.

Participating neighborhoods include:

• Atlantic Heights Area Neighborhood Association  - Hanscom Park
• Leslie Drive/ Central Ave  - 146 Leslie Drive/ 171 Leslie Drive
• Cliff/ Walker Bungalow Road - Cliff Road at dead end
• Christian Shore Creek - Pine Street Park
• The Cedars of Portsmouth - Cedars Clubhouse -behind building
• Elwyn Park - Dondero School
• Feaster Apartments PHA - 140 Court St.
• Frank Jones Farm - St. Catherine’s church
• Friends of the South End - Four Tree Island
• Islington Creek  - Rock Street Park
• LRRA -Hillcrest Estates - Earl Hunt Memorial Park
• Margeson Apartments PHA - 245 Middle St.
• Richards Ave Area - Richards Ave and Lincoln
• Rogers Street Neighborhood Group  - Rogers Street
• Sherburne Civic Association - Pannaway Park
• Spinnaker Point - Spinnaker Point Outdoor Pool
• Wahoo  - Willard between Wibird and Marston