Annual National Night Out event at Healey Park in Duryea coordinated by several Crime Watch groups

DURYEA — National Night Out event brought members of law enforcement and crime watch groups to Healey Park on Aug. 5 to provide residents an opportunity for a bit of fun and information, while getting to know police and other public servants in their communities.

The annual event is observed across the country every August and is dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs.​

Trina Moss, of Duryea Crime Watch, said the event was an example of cooperation among boroughs, with crime watch groups from Duryea, Avoca and Dupont making the effort a success.

Bob Price, president of the Dupont Crime Watch, was on hand with a fire extinguisher simulation, teaching people how to put out a fire in an emergency using a video screen.

“The cool thing is that you can be 2-year-old or a trained fire fighter, ” he said. “I have control and I can make it as hard or easy as I want.”

Price carefully took participants through the four steps in putting out a fire, “pull, aim, squeeze, sweep,” reminding them to aim low.

He credited law enforcement and crime watch members in working together and providing a quality event.

“It’s better when we work together,” he said. “It provides a broader base and encourages better community involvement.”

With ever-increasing crime, Price said, crime watch groups have become increasingly valuable to communities.

“We’re the eyes and ears of the police,” he said. “If you see something, say something.”

Duryea Police Chief Nicholas Loman credited organizers with bringing a variety activities to the event, including a Tazer demonstration, fire safety house and life flight helicopter.

“The Tazer demonstration is always a favorite,” he said.

Jim Brogan, president of the Avoca Crime Watch group, lauded organizers with hard work and commitment to the annual effort.

“It’s a big event; there’s so many contacts that you need to make,” he said.

Mary and Don Soska came to the event for the first time, with their 4-year-old son Bobby.

“His favorite part seems to be the bounce house,” Mary said. “I think my favorite part is the raffle.”

Sienna Keiper, 9, left, watches Caden Bartolomei, 4, get his hand painted by artist Qiqna Lehman, of Dupont, at National Night Out held at Healy Memorial Park sponsored by the Duryea, Dupont and Avoca Neighborhood Crime Watch groups.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_NightOut1.jpgSienna Keiper, 9, left, watches Caden Bartolomei, 4, get his hand painted by artist Qiqna Lehman, of Dupont, at National Night Out held at Healy Memorial Park sponsored by the Duryea, Dupont and Avoca Neighborhood Crime Watch groups. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Duryea Ptlm. Mike Rosemellia, center tases Avoca Police Ofc. Robert ‘Gaget’ Callahan, far right, with Cadet Isaac Troutman next up. Each tasee is supported by Lackawanna Police Academy cadets.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_NightOut2.jpgDuryea Ptlm. Mike Rosemellia, center tases Avoca Police Ofc. Robert ‘Gaget’ Callahan, far right, with Cadet Isaac Troutman next up. Each tasee is supported by Lackawanna Police Academy cadets. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Bob Price, of Dupont, an employee of SimplexGrinnell, allows Sydney Adcock to try a fire extinguisher simulator.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_NightOut3.jpgBob Price, of Dupont, an employee of SimplexGrinnell, allows Sydney Adcock to try a fire extinguisher simulator. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Geisinger’s LifeFlight helicopter lands and is immediately swarmed by onlookers.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_NightOut4.jpgGeisinger’s LifeFlight helicopter lands and is immediately swarmed by onlookers. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch