Long Islanders mark National Night Out with police, other 1st responders

Long Islanders and communities from all over the country, as they’ve done annually for more than 40 years, came together Tuesday for National Night Out.

Since 1984, National Night Out has been held on the first Tuesday of August with the goal of growing neighborhood camaraderie and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and residents.

Each of the police precincts in Nassau and Suffolk counties held their own National Night Out events. The festivities at the Centereach Pool Complex, hosted by the Suffolk County Police Department's Sixth Precinct, featured music, swimming and dozens of booths highlighting local businesses.

"It’s a night to celebrate law enforcement’s relationship with the community as well as the community’s relationship among each other, from businesses, to local civic associations, our fire department," Suffolk County Community Oriented Patrol Officer Casey Berry told Newsday.

"It’s supposed to be a free night where everybody can come together, enjoy themselves and have a night of fun for their families," Berry said.

The event at the Sixth Precinct also included first responders like firefighters and EMS personnel.

Thousands of communities nationwide participate in the event, including 114 across New York State, according to the organization’s website.

In Manhattan's Chinatown, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney used the occasion to collect voluntary DNA samples from residents in hopes of eventually identifying "Asian Doe," a male whose body was discovered in 2011 at Gilgo Beach.

"I try to come here every year," Jason Vargas, 26, of Centereach said. "It’s just a great event and I’m glad the weather is so nice too."

Berry said that this year’s night out is likely the precinct’s biggest yet. The picture perfect weather, 75 to 80 degrees on a warm summer night, likely helped. Hundreds of locals filled the Centereach Pool Complex.

"It’s tremendous, and we can’t thank the businesses enough for being here and providing free things to the community," Berry added. "We wouldn’t be able to do this without everybody, and that’s what it’s about. Nobody can do anything alone. The police department can’t do it alone, the fire department can’t do it alone, none of these businesses can do it alone. It’s all just celebrating each other and how it takes a village."