Grafton Police Hope to 'Give Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party'

Written by Police Chief Normand Crepeau

On Tuesday, August 6th, members of the Grafton Police Department, Grafton Emergency Management and the Board of Health will be hosting its eighth annual “National Night Out Block Party.”  The event will be held adjacent to the Grafton Police Station from 5:00-8:00 p.m. 

In last week’s column, I spoke about the purpose of National Night Out and the significance of bringing the Police and the community together to voice their concerns and talk about issues important to them.  This week, I want to again discuss some of the great activities we have planned for this very special event. 

There will be free amusements including a moonwalk and soft obstacle course, as well as the ever popular children’s face painting.  There will be prizes for children and adults including badges, key chains, and coloring books.  WAAF (107.3 FM) will be providing music and sound as well as prizes and giveaways.  Free gun locks and bicycle helmets will be distributed, while they last.  Some of the special prizes will include gift certificates and merchandise from local merchants including Dunkin Donuts and Target. 

Literature on crime prevention, drug awareness, fraud, personal safety, fire prevention and health will also be available.  Citizens will also have the opportunity to speak not only with police, but with Fire Department, Emergency Management and other Town officials about problems or concerns in their neighborhood.  The Grafton Lion’s Club will also be sponsoring the Lion’s Sight Mobile which will provide screening for vision, hearing, diabetes and blood pressure.

Besides a presentation of police cruisers and motorcycles, vehicles and equipment from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Central MA Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC) SWAT Unit will also be on hand.  We will also be displaying a variety of weapons, police tactical equipment and seized drug paraphernalia.  Representatives from the MA State Police Museum located in Grafton will be present to showcase some of the memorabilia that may be found in the museum. We are also planning on a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and a special appearance by one of America’s most popular superheroes so remember to bring your camera.  The Aleppo Shrine Clowns will also be on hand to entertain young and old alike.  Also, members of the Massachusetts Masons including the Siloam and Franklin Lodges will be providing the MYCHIP child identification program.

Don’t forget, the Grafton Police Department will also be providing FREE PIZZA, HOT DOGS, PIES and other refreshments so please…bring your appetite.  

Other sponsors of the National Night Out block party include the United States Army, Target, Dunkin Donuts, Poland Springs, Grafton Suburban Credit Union, Grafton Job Corps, Pepperoni Express and Direnzo Towing & Recovery. 

Once again, the Grafton Police Department invites all residents of Grafton to join forces with them at the “National Night Out Block Party” to GIVE CRIME AND DRUGS A GOING AWAY PARTY.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police