Police, community gather for night out in Berwick

Community members and police officers came together Tuesday evening for a night of fun and camaraderie while remembering the recent tragic events around the country.

The Berwick Housing Authority and Berwick Police Department partnered to host their 15th annual Night Out Against Crime at the housing authority.

The night out included a fun jump, inflatable slide, petting zoo, music, hamburgers, chili and snow cones, and the event let the public interact with officers.

“As much as has been going on in the world today, yesterday and even in the future ... tonight, let’s put all that aside,” Housing Authority Executive Director Clarence Robinson said. “Let’s fellowship, and make sure we keep peace in our hearts.”

Mayor Louis Ratcliff asked attendees to observe a moment of silence during the event in memory of the Lafayette police officer who was killed Sunday in the line of duty and the many people killed and injured in the Las Vegas shootings.

When Robinson first became director of the housing authority 16 years ago, he met with police officials to make sure people feel safe living in the authority.

“We came up with this (event),” Robinson said. “We took the initiative because we wanted to give back to the police department.”

Police and housing authority leaders created a great and lasting relationship, Robinson said.

“This evening’s about the police and the community coming together,” said Police Chief James Richard, who also serves as chairman of the housing authority board.

Richard encouraged community members to call the police department if they have a concern no matter how minor the incident may seem to be. The Berwick Police Department can be reached at 985-384-7710.

“The only way we know what’s going on out there is if you call the police department and report it,” Richard said. “Don’t hesitate.”

Robinson believes events that bring the community together, such as Tuesday’s night out, have helped make the Berwick Housing Authority one of the safest housing authorities.