News, Police

National Night Out connects officers with community, kids

by Geoff Fox

Well over 600 people came to Widmyer Park on Tuesday evening, August 2, to enjoy a night out, information booths, demonstrations, music, and of course fireworks.

As the night began, temperatures were in the mid to upper 80s with a slight breeze and a very brief shower as the opening remarks began.

A number of businesses, churches, and organizations had informational booths set up around the park handing out books, goodies, and other items.

Kids who were at the event had the ever popular Joint Force Training inflatable soccer, soccer pool, and archery. Hagerstown Inflatable was also at National Night Out with inflatable bounce houses.

Something new at National Night Out was a foam machine. Kids flocked to the foam that was billowing out of the machines.

The Lions Club was handing out free hamburgers and hotdogs, chips, and water at the Lions’ Pavilion. After all was said and done, it was reported the hamburgers and hotdogs were “sold out.”

A special moment happened early in the event as Sgt. Rich Miller was introducing town officials and police agencies that attended National Night Out.

Alongside Hancock Police, officers from Maryland State Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia State Police, US Park Rangers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources officers, and Martinsburg Police were at the event. Hancock Fire Company, Hancock Rescue Squad, and Maryland Fire Marshall were also in attendance.

When introducing the Martinsburg officer, Miller had to do a little family history to when his son was ill and how the community rallied around him and showed concern for him.

After thanking the community for their support all those years ago, Miller introduced Officer Aaron Miller of the Martinsburg Police Department. Officer Miller of the MPD is Sgt. Rich Miller’s son.

Officer Aaron Miller also did a K-9 demonstration of how his K-9 partner detects drugs.

Take Two provided music throughout the night.

Around 9 p.m., the fireworks started going off, lasting for about 15 minutes.

photos by Geoff Fox