TORRINGTON – The Torrington Police Department (TPD) in cooperation with WYO HELP, Bob Moorehouse of Bob’s Roofing and Repair Service and the City of Torrington are looking forward to hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 3, in Jirdon Park from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
“It’s the first Tuesday in August every year,” Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson said. “We couldn’t do it last year because of COVID, so, this year, we wanted to make a concerted effort to have that be something we could enjoy with the community.”
Johnson said everyone is invited. They are currently planning to have bounce houses, a splash pad, pedal kart races and hot dogs, chips and a drink and much more. TPD purchased 500 hot dogs and chips and drinks were donated for the event. Meals will be given out for free while supplies last.
“We are excited,” Johnson said. “It’s a great event.”
In addition to the planned activities, Torrington’s Dale Jones Municipal Pool will be hosting a free open swim. Torrington’s City Council will convene at 7 p.m. in the park during the event for their regular meeting and will be swearing in the newest police officer to join the Torrington Police Department, Stephen Easton.
Easton is an assistance football coach at Torrington High School and is very committed to his family and his community, Johnson said.
As a final point of eager anticipation, Johnson said the police department would be debuting their new badge stickers for kids as an added bonus.
National Night Out comes after TPD and Bee Chilled partnered to host Cones with Cops last week, on July 21. Cones with Cops served as a chance for the officers with TPD to meet up with some of the students they have contact with during the school year, but then rarely see during the summer.
Johnson said taking the time to meet up with the kids and interact with them is mutually beneficial as it provides the kids an opportunity to interact with the officers and get to know them on a more personal level and it also provides officers with a reminder of why they signed up to do the job they do.
“It’s meant as a means to connect with the community,” Johnson said. “It’s good for everybody.”
