This article was published in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Megan Tomasic
August 8, 2022
Hempfield Area High School will soon be transformed into a venue highlighting local first responders as officials gear up to host their first Hempfield Night Out this week.
The event, scheduled for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, will bring together local law enforcement agencies, first responders and community resources.
It is modeled after National Night Out, scheduled for Tuesday , which works to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.
“We’re expecting a great turnout,” Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said during Monday’s school board meeting. “We have many first responders participating.“
Entities featured at the event will include the Hempfield Fire Department, Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement, Mutual Aid Ambulance Service, Westmoreland County Park Police, the Westmoreland County Sheriff, the county’s Department of Public Safety, the New Stanton Volunteer Fire Department, and state and school police.
Several vendors focused on drug prevention, domestic violence, community development and more will also set up.
Vendors will be set up inside Spartan Stadium along with a DJ and a kids corner featuring various games and activities. Basket raffles and 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit student activity clubs at the high schools.
Children can also participate in a bike raffle by talking with first responders to receive tickets. Fourteen bikes will be raffled during the event.
First responders will set up in the parking lot behind the stadium. There will also be food trucks.
The evening will end with fireworks , scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.
“It just sounds like a great evening for everyone,” Wolicki said. “We are very much looking forward to it and it appears the weather’s going to be cooperative at this point.”
Vendors featured at the event include:
Westmoreland County Juvenile Probation
Mt. Pleasant Sportzone
Clarion Psychiatric Center
Westmoreland Community Action
Early Learning Resource Center
Regional Integrated Human Services
Blackburn Center
WCSI
Alepix Behavioral Clinic
Highmark Wholecare
Hempfield Township
Trilogy Wellness
Beacon Health Options
White Deer Run Treatment Network
VA Healthcare Clinic
PFLAG Greensburg and Westmoreland LGBTQ Interfaith Network
Sages Army, Inc.
Pinnacle — Charleroi Treatment Services
Ray of Hope
Westmoreland County Transit Authority
Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office
Westmoreland County Community Planning and Development — Let’s Save Westmoreland
Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc.
Wesley Family Services
Saint Vincent College Prevention Projects
Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Case Management
Private Industry Council
Westmoreland BH/DS
Outside In
Axiom Family Counseling
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Laurel Region
Veterans Leadership Program