The City of Grovetown and the Grovetown Police Department are preparing for the upcoming Back to School Bash/National Night Out event.
Jordon Johnson, public information officer for the City of Grovetown, said they city has hosted the Back to School Bash for the past few years as students prepare to head back to the classroom. He added that the Leisure and Recreation Department works with the Police Department to plan and put on the events.
“National Night Out is a national event where all the police departments in America, they have a night of community service where they try to have at least one night of the year is crime free,” said Assistant Police Chief Major Robert Eastman. “They have people turn their porch light on, they have them go walk around the neighborhood and have events with the local police department where the citizens come and meet officers in a different light. Instead of the officers writing them a ticket they meet them in a different light. We share some security measures with them, safety measures, give them a hamburger or hot dog, a drink and just a light moment where they’ll interact with us up close and personal.”
The National Night Out celebration has grown over the years, Eastman said. When he first started with Grovetown PD over two decades ago, the event was held at the police station and fire department, but eventually had to move to the Liberty Park Community Center to accommodate the growth.
As for what his favorite part is, Eastman said it’s the air-care helicopter.
“I like when the helicopter comes. I always love to see the helicopter,” Eastman said. “But I also like to see the people, I like the large crowd. I like to see them leave there with a sense of getting something accomplished. Some people, they have a difficult time buying school supplies, so we take care of that for them.”
During the event free school supplies will be given to children, along with there being different activities, food and more, Johnson said.
“We’re very much looking forward to seeing this year’s turnout and helping as many kids as we can get prepared for the next school year,” Johnson said.
The Back to School Bash/National Night Out event will be July 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Liberty Park Community Center. For more information, visit the Grovetown Police Department Facebook page, contact Eastman at 706-863-1212 or visit the police department at 306 E. Robinson Ave., Grovetown.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
