On Tuesday August 2, the Bedford Police Department hosted National Night Out Against Crime at the Ellenwood Recreation Center. The event is sponsored nationally by Target, who was on-hand to help pass out items to the children.
Approximately 350-400 people were estimated in attendance. They were able to see some of the equipment used by law enforcement, which included the Southeast Area Law Enforcement’s SWAT Armored Personnel Carrier, Bomb Unit and remote robot, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Units and SWAT equipment, and a Bedford fire truck and equipment. The FBI was there to hand out coloring books to children on Stranger Danger and handed out material and talk to adults on Identy Theft. A medical helicopter landed but had to leave for a medical emergency. Hot dogs and drinks were provided and the City Manager, Hank Angelo, even helped dish out ice cream. Face painting was provided by Bedford Auxiliary Police Officer Connie Ritter, a basketball game and sound system were provided by Rich Purgert and ABC Rental. “Officer Phil”, used in our schools this past year to help educate the children on safety issues, made a special trip up for the event and walked the area entertaining the children. Music by a DJ was provided by Steve Stapleton of Target, along with back packs and lunch boxes that were raffled off. Ben Venue Laboratory of Bedford donated a boy and girls bike that was raffled off at the end of the evening, along with several bicycle safety helmets supplied by the police department.
The event was coordinated by Penny Jarrell, the Community Diversion Coordinator for the police department. She was assisted by Officers of the Bedford, Maple Hts, and Walton Hills Police Departments, Auxiliary Officers of the Bedford Police Department and their families, staff of the Bedford Recreation Department,and many members and friends of the arae Target Stores.