North Bergen Celebrates National Night Out: Mayor Sacco and Police Chief Fasilis Emphasize Community Bonding and Safety
National Night Out in North Bergen witnessed a vibrant display of community togetherness as residents gathered across seven locations to celebrate and stand against crime. The event, which started in just two locations and grew over the years, has become a cherished tradition in the township. Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Police Chief Peter Fasilis were present, actively engaging with the community and highlighting the police force’s commitment to serve and protect the residents.
Mayor Sacco expressed his pride in the event’s growth, saying, “National Night Out is about giving people a chance to get out, hang out with their neighbors, and have fun, all while appreciating the fact that our police force is here to assist and work together with the residents.” The event provided an opportunity for residents to meet police officers one-on-one, fostering a sense of trust and connection between law enforcement and the community.
The city actively promotes this event throughout the year, making sure the community is well-informed. Each year, National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday of August, and North Bergen utilizes various platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and other media channels to spread the word. Additionally, a robocall was initiated to reach out to residents, directing them to Norbergen.org to find the nearest location for the event.
Beyond National Night Out, North Bergen offers several events throughout the year to promote community engagement and public safety. “We have initiatives like ‘Water with the Cops,’ where residents interact with officers during a fun spray gun activity,” Mayor Sacco stated. The police department runs the Junior Police Academy, an adult academy, and engages in different meetings with neighbors throughout the town, showcasing their outreach efforts.
North Bergen unites for #NationalNightOut, celebrating community bonding and safety. Mayor Sacco and Police Chief Fasilis lead the way in fostering a secure environment for all residents. #NorthBergen #CommunitySafety pic.twitter.com/UiAUM332Sf
— Hudson TV (@hudsontvdotcom) August 2, 2023
Police Chief Peter Fasilis highlighted the effectiveness of their community policing strategy. “We adopt a true community policing approach, and National Night Out provides a relaxed atmosphere to get to know the community better. It helps improve our relationship with the community and allows us to network in a very relaxed environment,” he explained. The department’s de-escalation training has proven to be highly effective in handling various situations without resorting to force.
One of North Bergen’s key initiatives for community bonding and public safety is resident-only hiring. Chief Fasilis emphasized, “Resident-only hiring guarantees that the people in the community are represented by the police department. The officers we hire have a bond with the community, having lived and studied in North Bergen, which fosters a unique connection.”
As the night of celebration came to an end, Mayor Sacco and Police Chief Fasilis expressed gratitude to the community for their active involvement. “Thousands of people came out tonight, making this a significant and important event for North Bergen,” Mayor Sacco shared. The sense of unity and collaboration displayed during National Night Out exemplified North Bergen’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all residents.