WMBCTV: Little Ferry Lights Up National Night Out with Food, Fun and First Responders

Something new is lighting up Little Ferry’s National Night Out. From water slides to police and fire demonstrations - officials say this year’s lineup is all about coming together and celebrating the community. 

The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. at 95 main street complete with music, food, giveaways and hands-on activities for the whole family.

“Every year, we try to up our game a little bit,” said Chief James Walters, Little Ferry Police Department. “We have waterslides, we have football throwing, basketball throwing, we have a dj, we have empanadas that we’ll be giving out, mister softy is always here, he’s always a big hit, popcorn, hotdogs.” 

The annual event is part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen relationships between community members and law enforcement. And in Little Ferry, officials say the goal is simple: bring people together through celebration - and a little adventure.

“It’s a night of fun, we have food, we have rides for the kids, and it brings the community to us where they could meet our officers, they could meet our firemen, it’s a nice connection,” said Chief Walters.

Officials say the need for events like this has grown in recent years, as communities across the region look for ways to build trust, foster connection and strengthen public safety through unity.

“I think that bridging together is super important and basically how we function as a whole,” said Officer Joseph Montemurro, Little Ferry Police Department. “I personally enjoy it - I mainly love doing community policing - just the interactions like with kids and seeing their families all out together, it’s a special moment and it’s an important part of my career here.”

And as Little Ferry gathers once again to celebrate National Night Out, it’s the teamwork between officers and the community that organizers say makes it all possible.

“It’s quite a bit of work, we start pretty much once the event ends, we start working on the next year it seems like,” said Sergeant John Schwedhelm, Little Ferry Police Department. “It’s been getting better and better every year since Joe and I have been working together, I feel like it’s grown even moreso.”

National Night Out is expected to run until 8:30 tonight. Police say they hope to see as many families as possible come out and be part of the event.

Also in the area this evening, National Night Out in Newton is expected to take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music, ice cream, games and more. In the Caldwells, the festivities are also scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and officials are asking attendees to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Caldwell Food Pantry.  And over in Newark, the event is set to run from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and attendees can expect free food, music, bounce houses and other activities.