Annual Mon Valley National Night Out set for Tuesday
The annual event, which promotes interaction with first responders, will take place Tuesday evening.
Rostraver Township Police Department, in collaboration with other local public service agencies and community organizations, will host Mon Valley National Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the John DiVirgilio Recreational Complex.
Residents will have the opportunity to meet their local public servants and learn more about the greater Mon Valley community.
Police Chief Scott Sokol stated that everyone who participates in working on the event strives to make it better every year. He said many people only meet first responders in emergencies, which can lead to high stress when around them, especially among children.
He understands the importance of humanizing first responders and making them less feared.
“All the first responders from the neighboring communities have a chance to come out and be together, and for all the kids to meet these people in a fun set of circumstances,” Sokol said, “other than ordinary, high-stress incidents where they usually meet first responders.”
Sokol added that everybody in the community participates and called it a great example of teamwork.
“Everybody’s good, my whole department, all my officers have been outstanding,” he said. “The administration and commissioners were 100% invested, which makes life easy.”
Attendees will be able to enjoy free hot dogs, nachos, ice cream and refreshments, as well as a selection of food trucks that will be present, and children will receive free prizes.
The Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team will be bringing a Blackhawk chopper for attendees to view, and Pennsylvania State Police Department are sending members of their equestrian division.
Several local police departments will collaborate for a K9 exhibit that attendees can interact with. The event will end with a fireworks display provided by Vinoski Winery NIGHT OUT •A5
“All the first responders from the neighboring communities have a chance to come out and be together, and for all the kids to meet these people in a fun set of circumstances.”
SCOTT SOKOL
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP POLICE CHIEF in Belle Vernon.
Residents are encouraged to attend to meet their local public servants and get connected with local businesses and organizations.
One of the most important reasons for the event is to help fund vital assistance programs that the Rostraver Township Police Department has during the holidays, mainly Santa Cops.
“The proceeds from the raffle baskets, we put into our Santa Cops program,” Sokol said. “They help raise money for children that need a Christmas.”
Sokol and other collaborators expect at least 65 to 75 baskets for the raffle and are hoping to exceed funding goals from previous years.
The Santa Cops Program, which began in December of 2019, supports more than 300 families.
