WEST GOSHEN — The crime rate in Chester County is lower than the national average. And many of the communities here have local law enforcement agencies who know many of the people they serve by name.
Still, Chester County is growing. 538,649 residents live in Chester County, according to a 2020-2021 report by the U.S. Census Bureau.
To bring strangers together as neighbors, police agencies across Chester County took part in National Night Out earlier this month to unite one another and educate children on what the work of a first responder is all about.
West Goshen Police Department held a shared event with West Chester.
“National Night Out is a great way for the community to get together and enhance relationships between the community and law enforcement,” said Lieutenant Michael Cotter of the West Goshen Police Department.
“Together, law enforcement needs the community’s help to keep their towns safe,” Cotter said. “Keeping the community safe is truly a team effort that law enforcement can’t do without the help of the community.”
The West Goshen and West Chester united event on August 2 took place at Henderson High School on Montgomery Avenue in West Goshen Township.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 23,168 people live in West Goshen Township and 18,630 people live in West Chester Borough. The two municipalities neighbor one another.
“West Chester Police Department, as well as West Goshen Police Department members, spent a tremendous amount of time prepping for this evening, many officers used their own time to assist with prepping for the event,” Cotter said.
Overall, “the event was a huge success, each year the event seems to grow and attract more people.”
As for Cotter, the lieutenant said the best moment of the event was speaking with the members of the community, especially the kids.
“Any time officers can engage with the public in a positive way is a win for everyone,” Cotter said.
In 1984, the first National Night Out was held as part of “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” — an effort to promote “involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back,” according to the National Association of Town Watch.
During the first annual event in 1984, across America 2.5 million people took part in the event in 400 communities across 23 states, as previously reported. National Night Out now involves more than 37 million people and 15,000 communities from all 50 states plus U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
“This is an important event for residents to get to know who their local officers are,” Cotter said. “I really hope events like this will make residents feel more comfortable approaching the police and understand that they are here to help them.”
Chief of Police Brian Marshall of the Phoenixville Police Department said the community well-received this year’s National Night. Several hundred people attended.
The event also provides police with an opportunity to provide resources when a community member needs help.
Marshall expressed appreciation for the chance to meet with the community members whom officers serve in a relaxed environment and interact with the children and their parents.
Many little ones toured fire engines and inspected police vehicles while enjoying National Night Out with their families.
“First responders reflect the community we serve,” Marshall said. “Our fire, EMS and police officers live in their community and we are approachable. We do listen to their concerns and help them if possible.”
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan attended National Night Out in Phoenixville. The historic borough, rich with much American Revolutionary history, is home to 19,029 people, according to a 2020-2021 report by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Marshall gave thanks to Ryan and her detectives, Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler, local elected officials on the Borough Council, Chief Kevin Dykes of the Chester County Sheriff, who sent his K-9 team, and the Pennsylvania State Police including Trooper Kelly MacIntyre and others for arranging a site visit and their PSP helicopter unit.
The police chief also thanked local fire and rescue units, Ginger Murphy who is director of the Phoenixville Crime Watch and Police Chaplain Pastor Dan McDowell and numerous county and local non-profits.
Marshall thanked local businesses Petrucci’s Ice Cream for providing water ice and Videon Chevrolet for ongoing support.
Uniquely, Phoenixville’s National Night Out also featured a car show.
“Lastly, a big shout out to Melissa Gibbons, director of Parks and Recreation, and Meghan Straut, our Community Engagement Coordinator, for setting up the venue and making it a great evening,” Marshall stated
“I’m extremely proud of all of the women and men who serve our town as well as all of the county agencies who help us every day,” Marshall said.
“Community support for any police department is paramount and today that support clearly showed up today,” the Phoenixville police chief said. “I personally want to thank our citizens and all those who came out tonight. Working together as a team over the past several decades pays great dividends.”
