(HICKSVILLE, N.Y.) – Hundreds flocked to Cantiague Park in Hicksville as Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview), the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Precinct, and an array of community stakeholders and government colleagues celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Held in thousands of communities nationwide each year on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out seeks to promote “police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.” The event’s success was made possible by the support of government colleagues like Legislator Viviana L. Russell (D – Westbury) and dozens of community sponsors who provided giveaways, health screenings, information, refreshments, demonstrations and more to attendees.
Attendees had the opportunity to try their hand at No Limit Ninja Farmingdale’s obstacle course, which was erected free of charge by the owner; interact with the Nassau County Police Department’s mounted horseback unit, view trucks from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office, board a Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus, and more. CN Guidance & Counseling CEO Jeffrey Friedman introduced the organization’s service dog, Arnie, to guests.
Community sponsors donated more than a dozen raffle prizes, including a 55’ flatscreen TV from Wal-Mart Valley Stream, a BBQ grill courtesy of Home Depot, a bicycle provided by Target, and more. The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) donated pizza, and the Nassau County Superior Officers Association (SOA) sponsored an ice cream truck – both of which delighted guests of all ages. Meltzer Accounting sponsored cotton candy and popcorn machines, and Party House furnished balloon arrangements for the event.
“This year’s National Night Out is bittersweet because it will be my last as a Nassau County Legislator – and I will always cherish having had the opportunity to serve and represent the communities of District 16,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “Nassau County is privileged to be served by the finest police force in the nation, and I am proud to support their efforts by hosting events where residents can strengthen their relationships with the men and women who diligently protect us each day. I was so glad to see that so many families joined us at Cantiague Park and that so many sponsors contributed to the success of this year’s event. Today and always, thank you to NCPD Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Second Precinct Inspector Michael Velte, Sergeant Michael Mardiney, and POP Officers Stephen Grasek, Frank Vescio, John Hadrigan, Chris Lovelace and Andrew Massa for your outstanding work with our community!”
PHOTO CREDITS – Office of Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker