SBPD National Night Out Tops in NJ for 3rd Straight Year

The South Brunswick Police Department topped the state for the third year in a row as part of the annual nationwide community outreach celebration.

South Brunswick was recognized this week by the National Association of Town Watch for which finished first in New Jersey three straight years, and this year ranked fourth in the U.S.

“So many community members gave of their time to create a great night," said Chief Raymond Hayducka. "In 2012, we saw the best in our community from how we pulled together after the storm to special evenings like National Night Out. The police - community partnerships that we have built made the night a huge success."

The 2012 NNO celebration, held on Aug. 7 in Rowland Park, brought a record crowd of 6,200 residents out for rides, free hot dogs and snacks. Residents mingled with township first responders while viewing displays from the township police and fire departments, first aid squads, and other groups at the event.

South Brunswick's Charlene J. Austin Community Unity Day was also part of National Night Out, giving dozens of township organizations the opportunity to share information on their services and programs, while displaying the healthy activities they provide to help prevent alcohol, tobacco and drug use.

Hayducka thanked Mayor Frank Gambatese and the Township Council for their support and gave recognition to PFC Gene Rickle and Crime Prevention Assistant Chris Slovensky for their work in coordinating the event.

National Night Out by the Numbers (data supplied by South Brunswick Police)

• 6,200 people attended 
• 1,500 hot dogs served, in record time 
• 1,000 bags of chips were distributed 
• 1,000 ice pops were eaten 
• 100 volunteers