National Night Out celebrations planned in Newark

The annual National Night Out returns Aug. 6, and two celebrations are planned in the Newark area.

The Newark Police Department will hold its event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Academy Street, between Main Street and Delaware Avenue.

Attendees will be able to meet police officers, firefighters and other first responders to learn about what they do and get a hands-on demonstration of the vehicles and equipment they use.

Participating agencies include the Newark Police Department, University of Delaware Police Department, Delaware Natural Resources Police, Delaware Department of Correction Probation & Parole, Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder Company, University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit, New Castle County Paramedics, Delaware Army National Guard, FBI and the Delaware Department of Transportation.

The Newark Police K-9 unit will give a demonstration at 6:30 p.m., and Aetna firefighters will demonstrate how they rescue people from car crashes at 7:15 p.m.

The Newark Police Athletic League will bring its trailer, which has games and activities for kids.

Free snacks and drinks will be available, and the UDairy Creamery will be selling ice cream.

This is the ninth year Newark has participated in National Night Out, a nationwide effort that began 40 years ago and now involves more than 16,000 communities. National Night Out is intended to promote crime prevention and foster ties between law enforcement and community members.

Meanwhile, the New Castle County Police Department will hold its National Night Out event at Glasgow Park. It, too, will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event will include a display by the SWAT team, a visit from the mounted patrol unit, food, games and community resource displays. Faithful Friends will host a meet-and-greet with pets up for adoption.