Hubbard, Youngstown seek participants in National Night Out

By robert Guttersohn

rguttersohn@vindy.com

Hubbard

Hubbard Township’s police officers will join 15,000 other police departments nationwide in the National Night Out Tuesday at the Harding Park Bandstand.

The free event from 6 to 8 p.m. will have food, gift card raffles and will be preceded by a Hubbard Township police vs. Hubbard city police softball game at 4 p.m.

Officer Greg Tarr said last year about 200 people showed up for the night out. At this year’s event, he’s hoping for 500 people.

Beyond the fun, Tarr said the event will bring the community closer to the police department.

In Youngstown, National Night Out events will center at Wick Park on the city’s North Side. A parade and picnic are planned beginning at 5 p.m. Parade lineup begins at 4:30 p.m. at Elm Street and Broadway.

In its 28th year in the U.S., National Night Out is designed to :

Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs.

Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and

Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and at Vindy.com.