First responders mingle with the public, display their equipment at New Kensington's National Night Out

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Most police officers want youths to engage in friendly conversations and be in a good mood when they see them ride around town.

At least, that’s the case for New Kensington Sgt. Nick Rutkoski.

A veteran of the city police force, Rutkoski has been involved in many community events. This week was no exception.

Rutkoski was among a host of first responders at New Kensington’s National Night Out celebration Thursday evening near the Barnes Street playground.

“It’s a good event,” he said. “I’ve been doing my own events for years up here in town. I call myself the community officer. I’m always with the kids.

“They need to approach you. When you (the public) see a police officer, you’re kind of nervous. I pull up, kids come running towards me.

”That’s what we want. We don’t want them running away. We want them coming toward you. That’s the goal.”

National Night Out is an opportunity for communities to show their appreciation to first responders, get to know one another and showcase various vehicles and equipment so the public can see where their tax money is going.

Mayor Tom Guzzo said previous New Ken Night Out events took place at residents’ homes and were more like individual block parties.

The city decided to have it at a central location this year, and it could be the new standard of the city’s annual National Night Out showcase.

“We’re very excited,” Guzzo said. “It’s really important for everyone to see people on a more positive basis, in a more positive environment. It gives people an opportunity for people to be downtown, see the new park (and) play some hoops.”

There were several public works vehicles, the fire department’s ladder truck, SWAT and K-9 vehicles, among others on display. Children were able to explore them. Turn on the lights and honk the horns.

Owen Vodopivec, 5, of Plum said he loved the SWAT truck, a heavily armored vehicle used by several municipalities and registered to New Kensington.

Owen was brought to the city by his aunt, Breanne Loveland of Plum. Rutkoski is his uncle.

Loveland said she was excited the family could take part in the event.

“It bridges a gap between the police and the community,” she said. “I think it’s good for the young kids to come out and see. There are a lot of things (here). They get to see the dogs. It’s pretty cool.

“Any chance to get the kids out (away from their computer/cellphone screens). We’re having a great time. We wanted to come early and make sure we saw everything because we knew there was a lot to see.”

New Kensington detective and Westmoreland SWAT officer Matt Saxman talked with residents about the various equipment used in law enforcement, including drones and protective gear.

Resident Leonard Jackson watched as the eyes of his wife Maria and their son Neiko, 5, light up at Saxman’s table full of gadgets. The whole thing came as a surprise to him.

“I didn’t even know that it was going on,” he said. “I came down to play basketball, and I called my wife because I saw them here. I know (Neiko) always goes up to the police officers all the time and asks them for the little badges.

“He’s a big fan of the police officers,” Jackson said. “So, I knew he would like to come over and see the tactical stuff. He’s always been fascinated with the fire trucks and everything. I think it’s cool that they do (National Night Out).”

Jackson said he hopes the city does more advertising next year so more people come out.

Only a couple dozen families stopped by throughout the two-hour event.

There were various information tables including ones from Penn State New Kensington, Habitat for Humanity, and Westmoreland County Adult Probation & Parole. Sheetz donated cookies.

Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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