Monroeville police will host a cookout at Monroeville Community Park as part of the community’s participation in a national celebration.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign through the National Association of Town Watch meant to bolster police/community relations.

Monroeville has participated in the effort for about 20 years.

It will do so again from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the park along Tilbrook Road.

People are invited to come to Pavilion No. 2 and 4 for hot dogs, music and children’s activities.

“It’s a community event where we try to connect the community with our police and first responders to have some fun and see that they’re real people,” said Michele Dusch, organizer and Monroeville police administrative assistant.

Firefighters are expected to participate and bring some trucks.

The municipality did not participate in National Night Out last year due to the pandemic.

Police Chief Doug Cole said he is excited for its return.

“Obviously it’s a weird year,” Cole said. “Been a weird couple years (and) we’re just trying to get back into the normal routine of things. This is a post-covid get-together to be out with the community. Law enforcement’s always part of the community.”

The initiative started near Philadelphia in the 1980s with its first official night in August 1984, according to the NATW’s website.

It has grown from about 2.5 million people across 400 communities in 23 states to 38 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States.

In Allegheny County, Pleasant Hills traditionally has hosted the event one week prior to the national night so first responders from other regions can join in the event.

More information is available at natw.org.

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