Skies Clear for Community to Enjoy National Night Out

Councilors Hanselmann and Tranchemontagne before their plunge. Photo Credit Eric Small

By Maj. Matthew Gagné, Sanford Police Department

Last Tuesday night was the Sanford Police Department’s National Night Out. For most of the day, we thought that the torrential rain would dampen the evening. With luck, the rain let up and our community came together for a fun-filled evening with food, vendors, music, and of course, the dunking of some important figures.

Members of the Sanford Police Department worked diligently along with Cadets from our Law Enforcement Cadet Program to set up the park for the event. The food station was put together, coolers were stocked, and water was ready. Sanford Police Department’s finest grill masters began cooking for our early arrivals, cranking out hamburgers and hotdogs. Throughout the rest of the park, vendors were set up and citizens were milling about. At the far end of the park, the dunk tank was set up. There we had Chief Andersen, Counselor Hanselmann, Counselor Tranchemontagne, Major Dyer, and Officer Archambault ready to take the plunge for donations to benefit Friends of Downtown. The lines began to form and the donations came in. Our brave dunkers took the plunge again and again to the crowd’s delight.

Left, Lacey Bailey OPTIONS clinician. Right Shannon Bentley, Mental Health First Responder. Not pictured from Mental Health Unit, Sgt. Colleen Adams. Photo Credit Jonny Narvez

Music was provided by emcee Jack Bogard of Sanford Sound who assisted in whipping up the crowd and provided everyone with entertainment. Out on School Street we had police cars, fire trucks, and heavy wreckers for people to touch and play with. The vendors at our event arrived at their own risk as the weather forecast early on was ominous but their love for their community and support of the event prevailed. We all had a great time and look forward to hosting again next year.

We would like to thank the following organizations for their attendance and support:

Maine OPTIONS (Sweetser); SaVida Health; Sanford Housing Authority; Girl Scouts of America; Friends of Downtown; Caring Unlimited; Kennebunk Savings Bank; York County Community Action; Sanford Sound; Sanford Fire Department; Chandlers Auto and SPD Animal Control Officer, Lauren Carroll