Rain forces change of plans in McKeesport

A downpour broke up the National Night Out gathering after 90 minutes.

National Night Out in McKeesport provided opportunities for residents of the Haler Heights neighborhood to interact with their city’s police and their fellow neighbors Tuesday.

The festivities began at 6 p.m. with a walk that started on Wainwright Drive and concluded at Joanne Welch’s home on Marshall Drive, where McKeesport first responders mingled with residents. Games and activities were set up, and prizes were handed out.

The event lasted about an hour and a half before a downpour caused the couple dozen residents and first responders to disperse. National Night Out festivities at the McKeesport Alliance Church were canceled due to the weather.

Welch, who has lived in Haler Heights since 1984 and organized previous National Night Out gatherings in her neighborhood, believes the event is a way for police to build relationships with residents.

“I think it’s good to have people who are role models in the City of McKeesport to show up and not only be on a professional level when there’s trouble, but also wherever there’s something fun happening,” Welch said. “They interact with the kids and show them they’re human, too.”

Police Chief Mark Steele and several officers attended the National Night Out event in Haler Heights. Officers had a chance to chat with residents in a laid-back environment.

“I think it’s good for the police in the community,” Steele said. “It’s just good for the community and the police to come together on a non-policing measure, where you can just have some conversations. People get to meet us and we get to meet them on a personal level instead of an occupational, police level.”

City Administrator Tom Maglicco and Councilwoman Jill Lape, who are residents of Haler Heights, were in attendance Tuesday night.

Maglicco viewed the night as an opportunity to connect with his neighbors.

“I think it’s a night to come out and talk to Jill,” he said. “We talk to each other a lot of times when we’re in meetings. We only see each other in passing, so it’s a good time to kind of let your hair down and talk to your neighbors and see what’s going on. You could go a whole year and you won’t see your neighbors.”

Lape said while many residents lead busy lives, National Night Out always produces a great turnout.

“And I think it’s nice for the kids to come out and see a lot of the first responders,” Lape said. “We thank them for being here. They do a lot for us. I’m sure they’re going to be busy tonight if the storm rolls in.”