Sharpsburg and Etna National Night Out honored first responders

Tawnya Panizzi
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019 1:16 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019 1:16 p.m.

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Jan Pakler | For the Tribune-Review

Sharpsburg firefighter Don Pearce folds the American flag that was flying high on the ladder truck at the end of the evening along with Mayor Matt Rudzki at National Night Out.

Jan Pakler | For the Tribune-Review

Live music with Right on 5th, a classic rock band, during National Night Out on August 6, 2019.

Jan Pakler | For the Tribune-Review

National Night Out along the Gateway Portal between Bridge and North Main Street drew crowds on August 6, 2019. Booths were set up by first responders and emergency personnel from Etna, Shaler-Hampton, Seneca EMS and Sharpsburg.

Jan Pakler | For the Tribune-Review

Sharpsburg patrolman John Kimel demonstrates the SU6-V Robot used by the North Hills Special Response Team during National Night Out on August 6, 2019.

Sharpsburg and Etna celebrated their inaugural National Night Out on Aug. 6, drawing crowds to meet and greet with local first responders.

Hosted at the Gateway Portal, along Bridge and North Main streets, the shared event was meant to boost relationships among neighbors and emergency personnel.

“It was a fun evening with lots of good music, food and great interaction with our public safety personnel,” Etna council president Pete Ramage said. “These first responders are always there when we need them, so it was great to show them our appreciation.”

Some of the groups represented were Etna police, Etna Fire Department, Shaler-Hampton EMS, Sharpsburg police, Sharpsburg K-9 Unit, Sharpsburg VFD, Seneca Area EMS, and the North Hills Special Response Team.

Live music from Right on 5th was provided and food trucks dished out specialty fare.

National Night Out has become a staple in Lower Valley communities, like neighboring Aspinwall, which marked its 10th event.