By Janet Stoica

Tuesday, August 22, proved to be a resounding success for Webster’s Police Department’s annual National Night Out event held at the town’s Memorial Beach. “This year was the best ever,” said Police Chief Michael Shaw, “we had over 500 attendees for our event and local donors played a large role in our successful event.  From food to recreational activities to vendor displays, it all proved to be a great success.”

National Night Out began in 1984 to promote neighborhood and police friendship with average citizens. A great way for all to get to know each other on a more personal level. A better way for our youngsters and parents to get to know local law enforcement and what each other’s outlooks and expectations are. A national night out against crime.

“Well before I was chief here,” said Chief Shaw, “our Webster event was held at North Village but currently our event is held at Memorial Beach. In 2012, we branched out to include our police, fire, and EMS personnel along with local businesses and other corporate sponsors. It’s really grown in the last few years. We’ve tried to cast a wide net to include as many organizations as possible. A.J. Alkire, owner of Point Breeze Restaurant, as always, provided the hamburgers and hot dogs we grilled up for our attendees, Aaron and Carmela Peek of Dudley’s Ice Cream Pharm provided ice cream, and the Fraternal Order of Police provided the inflatable slides and bounce houses. We were never charged for any of these valuable products and services. This year, though, I wanted to include our local small businesses so they could show what they were all about. It was a great success.”

The original date of August 2 was rained out and the next date chosen of August 9 suffered the same fate. August 22 finally worked out and the success was obvious to all who participated. Webster’s Emergency Medical Services organization donated school supplies for the kids, the Fire Department gave rides on their well-maintained and impressive fire apparatus, and all the volunteers handled everything like the reliable and very dependable group they are. 

“Our volunteers were great,” said the Chief, “everyone knew what they had to do. We served up over 500 hot dogs and hamburgers. EMS gave out over 275 kits of school supplies, ice cream ran out at 300 servings, and the Webster Public School’s Food Lunch Department gave out samples of the new school lunch menus. Music was provided by Doc Siddall from our local radio station, WGFP The Lake 940, we had representatives from the Worcester County Sheriff’s office, MADD, the Girl Scouts, Worcester Community Action Council, and so many other great vendors as well as Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr. and his daughter in attendance. Organizations weren’t there to sell their products, we wanted them to show our community what they offer. This event has become one of our most popular events and it keeps getting better and bigger every year. It’s great to see our police, fire, EMS, and others make connections with our community members to show them the services they provide. We certainly couldn’t do this without our officers’ and their families’ help. It was a long day but filled with great community participation, spirit, and lots of fun for everyone involved.”

“What a great partnership and even greater symbol of the goodness and pride of all our volunteers and donors. It brings out the best in our employees and shows the true kindness and integrity of all the people in Webster. I just can’t thank the Webster Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS organization, their families, and donors of foods and services enough. We just couldn’t ever do this without them.”

If you or your company, organization, or group would like to participate and offer ideas for next year’s big event, Chief Shaw would like to hear from you. Contact him at (508) 949-3823 or [email protected]. 

 Contact Janet:  [email protected]