Rostraver Township Police preparing for Mon Valley Night Out

First responders from several area communities will meet the public at the DiVirgilio Sports Complex.

Rostraver’s annual Mon Valley Night Out will return next week, promising to bring the community and its first responders together.

Rostraver Police Chief Scott Sokol said Mon Valley Night Out is in its fourth year and people can expect much of the usual fun.

“Give us a try, we’d love to have you out there,” Sokol said. “We want to bring all the kids out. Unfortunately, children see first responders under stressful conditions. This is an opportunity for them to come out and meet all the first responders under a positive set of circumstances.”

National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August, is an annual community-building event that aims to promote police and community partnerships. In Pennsylvania, more than 200 communities participate in National Night Out.

Rostraver’s Night Out not only features the township’s police department, but also its fire departments and first responders from other surrounding municipalities. Sokol said they expect to have representatives from Elizabeth Township, Washington Township, Belle Vernon, Monessen, and the state police.

State Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-Smithton, plans to be at Rostraver’s Night Out and says the event has become an essential interaction between first responders and their communities.

“I just think these things are great,” Davanzo said. “We talk about making changes in our community, and any time we can bring our law enforcement folks together with the community and just bolster that relationship — that’s really where the changes are made.

“Not only that, but some of the faith-based groups also attend these night outs. I’ll be there. There’s other community leaders there. It’s just great because it brings everybody together, it strengthens everybody’s relationship. And that’s truly how we can make change here.”

Mon Valley Night Out will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 at the John DiVirgilio Sports Complex. The event is free for everyone, and Sokol said free food, drinks and ice cream will be provided.

The Night Out will end with fireworks by Vinoski Winery. Sokol added that they expect to have a canine demonstration at 7 p.m.

Last year’s Mon Valley Night Out was cut short by a rainstorm, and Sokol expressed hope for good weather this year. So far, the National Weather Service forecasts a chance of showers, but it’s expected to remain mostly sunny.

The event will feature food vendors, along with several community organizations sharing information about their work. There will also be several raffle baskets that feature gift certificates, TVs, and more.

“Our raffle basket table it’s important to us because we raise a lot of money at the raffle basket table for our Santa cop program, in which we provide a lot of gifts for needy children at Christmas time,” Sokol said.

Sokol said they’re still accepting sponsors for the event.

“It’s not too late if you want to consider a sponsorship,” he said. “You’re always welcome if you want to drop off a basket at the police department or gift card of any sort. Any type of community involvement we appreciate. It goes to a good cause, and we’re just hoping weather cooperates with us this year, and everybody comes out to have a good time.”