Haverhill, Methuen Police Plan ‘National Night Out’ Aug. 2

Police departments in Haverhill and Methuen, among others, are preparing for “community building” events and to recognize police-community partnerships during “National Night Out 2016,” Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Haverhill police will host families and others at a public gathering as they “cook up some good food and provide fun entertainment” from 5 to 8 p.m. at Swasey Field, Blaisdell Street. The free event includes hot dogs/hamburgers, music, a smoke house and face painting, inflatable amusements and magic show. In Methuen, organized neighborhood block parties will receive rolling, “special visits,” between 6 and 8 p.m., from Methuen police officers, firefighters, McGruff the crime dog and Sparky the fire dog.

“National Night Out” is “an annual community-building campaign that encourages residents to spend the evening outside with neighbors and law enforcement officials,” Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon said. “Neighbors throughout Methuen and across the nation are asked to come outside, turn on the front porch lights and spend the evening with neighbors and members of law enforcement. Most cities and towns celebrate ‘National Night Out’ by hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other various community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits.”

Methuen residents interested in setting up a block party are asked to contact police Sgt. John Walsh at 978-983-8691 or e-mail  [email protected] for more information.