PHOTOS: Stoneham Police Department Hosts Safety Night to Build Relationships with Community

Stoneham Police Officers Brian Raffaelo, at left, and Chris Smith were among those who offered cotton candy, hot dogs, popcorn, candy and Kona Ice to those who attended Safety Night on the Town Common on Wednesday. The Stoneham Police Department hosted Safety Night as a way to build bridges and relationships with community members. The event is modelled after National Night Out — a nationwide effort to build relationships between police and the communities they serve. (Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)

STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to report that the Stoneham Police Department hosted Safety Night on the Town Common on Wednesday afternoon to build relationships with community members.

On Wednesday, July 30, Stoneham Police welcomed over 500 community members to an event modelled after National Night Out — a nationwide celebration that seeks to bring police together with the communities they serve.

Stoneham Police gave out hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and Kona Ice, while making emergency vehicles available for community members to hop inside and inspect.

An inflatable obstacle course and football game were blown up on the common, and Stoneham Police officers took turns taking the plunge in a dunk tank.

The event gave Stoneham Police an opportunity to have conversations and positive interactions with community members, young and old. Improving relationships with the community leads to increased cooperation between police and the community, enhancing public safety throughout the town.

Stoneham Police were supported in their efforts by the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, the FBI, Somerville Police, Reading Police, Chelmsford Police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Westford Police, Woburn Police, Lowell Police, Methuen Police, Waltham Police, Wilmington Police and Winchester Police.

Donors who helped make the event possible include Stoneham Bank, Dabs Lock & Key, Rapid Liquors, RJ O’Connell, Carmen Colotti Charitable, Cassidy, Charles Houghton, Stoneham SCAN and Liberty Bell.

“Safety Night highlights the strong bonds between our department and the people we serve. It’s about building trust, sharing ideas, and working together for a safer community,” said Chief O’Connor. “I’m grateful to our sponsors and law enforcement partners for their support, this event wouldn’t be possible without them.”