Hundreds of people came out Tuesday night for police National Night Out events throughout Berrien County. In St. Joseph Township, first responders from several agencies talked with the public and served up hot dogs and ice cream. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey told us it was a good feeling to see the community support.
“It’s all about getting the neighborhood together and coming out and having fun and seeing what law enforcement, fire, and EMS have and what we do to protect them each day,” Bailey said.
St. Joseph Township, St. Joseph city, the sheriff’s department, and Lincoln Township all had personnel at Maiden Lane Community Park. In addition to vehicle and equipment demonstrations, there were games and hot air balloon rides. In Benton Harbor, the Night Out featured several organizations at City Center Park. Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis told us the night was a huge success.
“It’s just wonderful,” McGinnis said. “Seeing people coming up and talking to little kids, seeing parents that I knew when they were young. It’s what community is all about.”
More than 800 people came to the Benton Harbor event, which also featured a backpack giveaway by the Berrien Community Foundation. Benton Harbor and Benton Township teamed up for the night with McGinnis saying the two are a team and a family.
