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Police, residents enjoy Hubbard event
By Danny Restivo
HUBBARD
City and township residents joined local law enforcement for an evening of community celebration and crime prevention.
Hubbard city and township’s Fraternal Order of Police lodges 132 and 85 joined forces Tuesday night for America’s Night Out Against Crime. Harding Park was one of 15,000 sites across the country that took part in the 29th annual event.
Local police sponsored and worked the event, while hundreds of residents enjoyed a car show, burgers, prizes and a place to celebrate the community. The night was designed to heighten crime- and drug- awareness while strengthening a bond with police and the community.
“Without the police department, we would have nothing,” said Tony Pettola of Doris Drive. He and his wife, Harriet, have lived in Hubbard for 10 years. They believe Hubbard is a good place to raise a family, and events such as this foster a positive relationship between residents and police.
“If they know us on this level, we can help make a better community,” said township police officer Greg Tarr. He and fellow officers helped cook free hot dogs and hamburgers for attendees at Kyle Pavilion. “The event is for crime awareness, but we want people to know their community,” he added.
During the event, patrons were introduced to the local high school football team and could view 100 classic cars from the area. Wilbur and Darlene Juillerat of Fifth Avenue came out with their 1955 Chevrolet. Wilbur said he bought the truck last fall and spent the entire year working on it. Tuesday night was the perfect night to show it to the rest of the community, he said.
The popularity of the event surprised him.
“I didn’t think they were expecting this many people, but everyone is out here, and it’s fun,” he said.
According to the Fraternal Order of Police, more than 37 million people in all 50 states were expected to take part in the National Night Out Against Crime.