Big Support Shown For Holmdel Police National Night Out Event

HOLMDEL, NJ — The stellar effort by many individuals and organizations for the Holmdel National Night Out event was uppermost in Police Chief Frank Allocco's mind Thursday when he thanked everyone involved.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the township hosted its fourth annual #NationalNightOut. Allocco and Mayor Domenic J. Luccarelli welcomed hundreds of residents and community members to Town Hall for an "amazing event," the township said.

The event enjoyed beautiful weather - and true community spirit, the township said.

"Engaging the public and building bridges within the community is one of the most important things we do as a law enforcement agency. I can't thank the residents of Holmdel enough for coming out and making National Night Out a true community event," Allocco said.

"Our department and the Township of Holmdel are committed to making Holmdel a special place to live and work and one where we are all neighbors," Allocco said of the event, once things were back to business as usual - minus the popular dunk tank game at the Night Out.

The Holmdel Police listed its National Night Out partners, recognizing them for their work:

• Holmdel PBA #239
• Holmdel Township Recreation
• Holmdel Department of Public Works
• Holmdel Fire & Rescue Company #2
• Holmdel First Aid Squad
• Holmdel OEM and C.E.R.T.
• Holmdel Police Cadets
• P.O. Ken Tietjen Memorial Foundation - Home of Mini Horse Heroes
• Carol Stillwell, a resident and philanthropist
• Unbroken Warriors
• Ralph's Italian Ices
• 180 Turning Lives Around (New Jersey)
• Incredible Soundz Entertainment
• Face Painting Designs by Anita
• Hackensack Meridian Medical System
• National Center of Missing and Exploited Children
• ADT Security Alarm Systems

The event was fun and informative the township said.

Youth in attendance received gift bags, crafted luminary bags, and were treated to face painting. Those who were willing stepped up to participate in the physical fitness challenge.

Dozens of attendees toured the halls of police headquarters. Many more took advantage of getting to sit behind the wheel of a police vehicle.

Patrolman Jackson, alongside his K9 partner Murph, treated the crowd to a demonstration of the K9 team's abilities.

"The highlight of the night took place at the 'Dunk-A-Cop' dunk tank as two of our officers
braved the chilly waters," Allocco said. Dozens and dozens of children lined up for the opportunity to drop an officer into the tank, which was donated by Laurie Tietjen of the P.O. Ken Tietjen Memorial Foundation. Tietjen was a Port Authority officer killed in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001.

Members of the Holmdel Fire & Rescue Fire Company 2, Holmdel First Aid Squad, and Holmdel Office of Emergency Management participated and provided displays that included a simulated extrication of a patient from a motor vehicle crash and the flight of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone).

Also on hand to participate were representatives from the local, veteran-based, nonprofit PTSD relief foundation "Unbroken Warriors."

Volunteers from 180 Turning Lives Around provided information, resources, and opportunities to serve.

Hackensack Meridian educated attendees about traumatic injury prevention, and representatives from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children were on hand to educate attendees on how to protect their children.

Event sponsors, ADT and Laurie Tietjen, were on hand too. ADT Home Security Systems provided home security tips and information. "Holmdel resident Laurie Tietjen of the The Ken Tietjen Memorial Foundation was all smiles as some lucky kids took aim at the target of the dunk tank," Allocco said.

"Once again, we partnered with St. Marks Kitchen in Keansburg. Visitors to National Night Out were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to St. Mark's and used to feed the homeless, hungry, and needy in the Bayshore area. We are so grateful to all those who contributed to this worthy cause," Allocco said.

Holmdel employees were also all part of the team that created the night.

"We have a great team here in Holmdel. I would be remiss if I didn't thank our Director of
Recreation Bob Ward and his staff, the hard-working crew from our Public Works, Fire Chief
Eric Hernando, First Aid Chief Chris Trischitta, the event planning committee, and my entire
staff at the Police Department for their effort and commitment for making tonight a success," Allocco said.