The Abington Township Fire Department (ATFD) converged on the Target parking lot on Old York Road Aug. 8 to participate in the annual Pre-National Night Out Block Party, where visitors were able to try on firefighting gear and talk with the department volunteers who serve the community.

The event serves as a precursor to the National Night Out celebrations aimed at heightening crime and drug prevention awareness, supporting anti-crime
programs and community policing efforts. This year’s Pre-National Night Out drew hundreds of community members for a fun evening of games, food and education.

The ATFD invited event attendees to stop by their display and learn about the different services the five fire companies provide for the community. Pre-
National Night Out not only afforded the ATFD’s neighbors the opportunity to see the impressive array of equipment the department uses every day to
respond to emergency incidents, but allowed them to converse with firefighters about their experiences and to answer questions.

“Pre-National Night Out gives firefighters the chance to teach the community fire safety and prevention, while allowing us to showcase the various ways in
which we serve the township,” Fire Services Administrator David Schramm said.“We’re excited to show our neighbors, friends, and newcomers what it meansto be a volunteer firefighter and how they can get involved.”