Letter: Thank you for making Grafton’s National Night Out a success

On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Town of Grafton joined over 16,000 communities from all 50 states and U.S. territories in celebrating National Night Out (NNO), an event promoted by the National Association of Town Watch and sponsored locally by the Grafton Police Department.

After a two-year hiatus, our 15th National Night Out Block Party was held at Grafton Police Headquarters from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Hundreds of individuals attended the event and it appeared that once again, despite a heavy rain shower, a great time was had by all. More importantly, residents had an opportunity to meet police officers and other town officials in a relaxed setting and were able to speak with them about crime prevention, drug awareness, fraud, personal safety and other quality of life issues.

I would like to thank the members of the Grafton Police Department, officers and dispatchers, with special recognition to Lt. Neil Minardi, Executive Assistant Marianne DeVries, Officer John Ropiak and custodian Pat Mackay for their assistance. I also wish to thank Town Administrator Evan Brassard and the members of the Board of Selectmen for their overwhelming support.

In addition, I want to recognize the Grafton Emergency Management Agency, Grafton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) who provided displays and information on their services. Thanks also go out to Chief Eric Mathieu and the Grafton Fire Department and the Grafton Cable channel for their live coverage of the event. Alumni from the 2022 Grafton Police Youth Academy also stopped by to lend a hand. Thanks also to all the Scouts from Troop 106 and 107 for their assistance and for providing ice cream and especially with cleanup after the event.

I also want to recognize the following agencies for their assistance: Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the office of District Attorney Joseph Early for providing information on crime prevention, drug abuse and victim assistance. It was also nice to have a representative from the Office of United States Attorney Rachael Rollins stop by as a show of support.

Special thanks to the Central MA Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC) SWAT Unit for allowing us the use of the Bearcat armored vehicle and tactical equipment for display.

I am especially grateful to the following local businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions: Grafton Job Corps for providing about one thousand hot dogs and rolls as well as members of their culinary and security staff to help cook and for the event. Also, Table Talk Pies and Pepperoni Express for providing delicious pizzas and E.L. Harvey & Sons for providing containers for clean up after the event. Thanks also to Radio Station WXLO (104.5 FM) V.P. Bob Goodell and DJ Frank Foley for providing music and sound for the event.

Thanks once again to our contributors including Brian and Julie Marino of Dunkin Donuts who also provided ice cold treats as well as special gifts and games for partygoers, Homefield Credit Union headed by President Karl Moisan and his staff who also volunteered to assist at the event. Thanks also to Direnzo Towing and Recovery for donating bicycle helmets that were handed out throughout the evening; Unibank who provided support, games and prizes; All Phase Glass who provided water to parched partygoers on a hot day; Swirls & Scoops who contributed certificates for free ice cream treats; After Fire Victims Outreach for providing refreshments and over 200 donuts; Fitzy’s Car Wash and Bushell ’n Peck for their generous donation of gift cards. Without the continuing assistance and support of these contributors, this event would not be possible.

Thanks again to all those who attended our event and we hope to see you at our next National Night Out Block Party scheduled for Tuesday, August 1st, 2023.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police