Saturday
May 18, 2024 
On Tuesday, Doylestown Township hosted neighboring first responders in Central Park for National Night Out, an annual event that promotes partnerships between first responders and community members.
Those taking part included police from the Warrington, Central Bucks Regional, Plumstead and New Britain departments.
There were presentations for children to help them learn more about emergency responders, along with a dunk tank, food, ice cream, and music. Children were encouraged to get hands-on experience with fire trucks, police cars and a helicopter.
While many families attend the event for the fun activities, there are a few things that first responders wanted them to keep in mind.
“This night gives us a chance to meet people that we normally wouldn’t meet,” said Mark Snyder, a Plumstead Township police officer who was ready to greet new faces. “It gives them a chance to talk to us and learn about what we do for the community. I hope that people here get an understanding that we are part of the community and we are people too.”
Warrington Community Ambulance Corps (WCAC) drew the children's attention with its ambulance and stretcher. Cliff Mungavin, full-time battalion chief for Warrington EMS, shared how the WCAC stays involved with young citizens.
“We do a lot of community outreach events like going out to schools and day cares,” said Mungavin. “We try to do our best to educate the community about what EMS is and pretty much how we operate.”
The Doylestown Fire Company arrived with its new $1.8 million fire truck.
Paul Kreuter, president of Doylestown Fire Company, highlighted the importance of volunteerism. “We hope that people get an appreciation for everything here, whether they’re paid or not paid,” said Kreuter. “The amount of people that volunteer in our communities is through the roof. It’s a dying breed, so we want people here tonight to see what we can do.”
Bucks resident Karen Deeney said this was not the first time her children had encountered first responders.
“Our kids had to contact first responders just a few months ago when they thought Grandma went missing during a sleepover, when in fact, she just moved to the couch to have more room to sleep,” said Deeney. “The first responders were fantastic with the kids, and they all had a good laugh when they found ‘the missing grandma’ sound asleep on the couch.”
Deeney believes the people of Bucks County, along with her kids, have a positive relationship with first responders in the area.
The next National Night Out is expected to occur in Central Park to keep the tradition going.
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