Gov. Jon Corzine and a record crowd attended this year’s National Night Out Against Crime in North Bergen.
Held on Aug. 4 this year, the annual event brings communities into a conversation about crime. Police departments visit residents and address their concerns, while communities hold block parties that offer a safe night out for children.
North Bergen held its activities in three different locations. The first, held in front of LaTour’s Deli located on Seventh Street, featured a disc jockey and cookout.
At Broadway and 74th Street, a two-block party was hosted by North Bergen’s Urban Enterprise Zone, where numbers were performed by J&L Dance Center. Children were able to try their martial arts kicks with East Coast Bushido, a Hudson County K-9 Officer demonstrated how hidden narcotics were found, and two bikes were raffled off by the Target store in North Bergen.
At the third event, held in front of the North Bergen Housing Authority, Applebee’s provided food, a water slide provided thrills, and Corzine stopped by to speak with residents.
McGruff the crime dog stopped at each location, along with Sacco, Police Chief William Galvin, Capt. Robert Dowd, Sgt. Gerald Sanzari, Patrol Traffic Commander Lt. James Somers, public safety commissioners Theresa Ferraro and Hugo Cabrera, and other officials and members of the police department.
“Last night was our most successful night out against crime,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco a day after the event. “We had a much larger crowd at all three sites. It seemed like people were really enjoying themselves and it was very meaningful. I think that people were really happy to get together in their neighborhoods and gain a greater understanding of why were together. We were out there as prevention against criminal activity.”
Corzine visits
When Corzine, a Hoboken resident, visited the Housing Authority, throngs of residents crowded around him. Corzine had visited three other communities’ Night Out Against Crime events, including neighboring Union City.
“If you’re going to beat crime you have to have community participation.” – Gov. Jon Corzine
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Most important, Corzine said, it was essential to give support to people who care about the state of their neighborhoods.
“You know, first of all, if you’re going to beat crime, you have to have community participation,” said Corzine.
He continued: “It’s not just law enforcement. We need families involved. We need people to stand up for themselves, and this kind of event symbolizes a community coming together for those kinds of issues. So I want to reward it and recognize it just like the mayor does, and it’s happening all across the state.”
Community involvement
Lisa Maldonado, whose father is a police officer, said that the block party on Broadway Avenue was safe and entertaining for children.
She believed it was important to present a united front against crime for the sake of future generations.
“I think if we all look out for each other and do what we can it will be a lot safer for everyone,” said Maldonado.
Moyram Espino, an East Coast Bushido instructor, said that the night symbolized awareness.
“We do live in an urban area, and there are all types of crime, and it’s always good to be aware of everything,” said Espino.
Somers said that the children had the opportunity to see the positive side of police work.
“We love doing it,” said Dowd. “All of these [police officers] that are working, the majority of them worked days today and they’re volunteering on their own time, and it’s because they actually believe in the program and they are happy to do it.”
Katelyn Carroll, who was brought to the Seventh Street location by her grandmother, said that she thought it was “really cool.”
“I think it’s good for the kids, to keep them off the street and out of trouble,” said Carroll.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.