Bridgeport PD hosts National Night Out
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BRIDGEPORT -- The Bridgeport Police Department held its fourth annual National Night Out on Tuesday, a free event meant to bring law enforcement and the community together.
"It was a pretty good turnout. I would say about 700 to 800 people showed up," Police Chief John Bumba said.
The event took place from 6-8 p.m. in the parking lot area of Bridgeport High School, located at 55707 Industrial Drive.
The national event was meant to bring together police and members of the community. This year's event included food, live music, activities, free student supply giveaways and demonstrations.
There was a helicopter landing by STAT MedEvac, K9 demonstrations by the Martins Ferry Police Department and the Belmont County Sheriff's Office and inflatables provided by Bill's Towing.
The Belmont County Sheriff's Office and Wolfhurst Fire Department joined the Bridgeport Police Department to show off their vehicles at the event. Bumba said that local businesses handed out free school supplies to the children that attended the event.
Free drinks were provided by United Dairy, Exxon and Sunoco, and free food was provided by Pizza Express, Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut. Bumba said that Lansing Sportsman's Club provided ice for the event.
Local talent Gage Joseph performed for the crowd Tuesday.
"He's been here since we started this. He sings for us every year," Bumba said.
Bumba said that Joseph, who performed at last year's Blame My Roots Festival, was still in high school when he first started participating in Bridgeport's National Night Out.
"It went really well. It was really well-received," Bumba said.
The Bridgeport Police Department plans to continue the tradition next year.
Bumba said that this year marked the 40-year anniversary of the National Night Out campaign. The national campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out takes place every year on the first Tuesday in August.
For more information about the National Night Out campaign, visit natw.org.