Area parents and children will have the opportunity tonight (Thursday) to get a first-hand glimpse of large vehicles and emergency vehicles and equipment, while also getting to know area emergency personnel. Newcastle Police Department is sponsoring its 2024 Touch-A-Truck event and Newcastle Night Out from 6-8 p.m. at Veterans Park. Spokesperson and Newcastle Reserve Police Officer Josh Bray said area residents are invited to take part in the free event, whether interacting with community service providers such as ambulance personnel and police officers, or exploring vehicles. Bray said there will be fire trucks, police cars, a concrete truck, a trash truck, and a construction crane, among other assorted vehicles and equipment. “Children can explore the big equipment and vehicles,” Bray said. “Kids can get in these vehicles and honk the horns or start the sirens.” He said this gives children the chance to see what the vehicles look like on the inside, while meeting their community partners. The NPD is working with area providers such as OEC and Pioneer, who will have personnel in attendance as well as vehicles. Bray said there will also be food trucks for residents to enjoy dinner, and there will be some area businesses with booths, handing out information.
NIGHT OUT: Food trucks on site
He said, “The Touch-ATruck event and Newcastle Night Out gives everyone a chance to interact without having to be doing so in a time of need. We hope to make a positive impact.”
Bray has been a resident of Newcastle for the past six years, and has served as a reserve officer for 13 years. His regular job is as manager of three wind farms in Oklahoma. He has also been active in the community attending career days or STEM days to discuss electricity and wind power with students.
Bray said the idea of a Newcastle Night Out came as a consideration of the national Night Out campaign. The local organizers felt this time of year would be better with its fall weather.
