Warm temperatures and low humidity brought a big crowd to Lititz Springs Pool in August 2015 for Lititz Endless Summer, the borough’s version of National Night Out.
“We must have had 1,500 to 2,000 people,” said pool director Craig Wagaman. “People were coming and going all night long.”
A night with first responders
The annual evening event, sponsored by the Lititz Borough Police Department, offered free swimming, food and children’s activities, along with a chance for families to meet local police officers, firefighters and other first responders in a relaxed setting.
Organizers said that kind of friendly contact matters, especially for children who might one day encounter emergency personnel during a difficult moment.
“It’s enjoyable in this light to have kids come up and approach us because other times, you know, if we’re doing our job, we might be at their house in the midst of a tragedy,” said Officer PJ Savage, one of the event’s coordinators. “They’re not going to see us in the same light as where they see us here. So I think it’s important for us to interact with them out here at a party like this.”
Inside the fire truck
Lititz firefighter Doug Stoner invited visitors to climb into a fire truck and showed them how a thermal imaging camera helps firefighters find people inside smoke-filled buildings by detecting body heat.
Children also watched a demonstration by the Manheim Borough Police canine team, a favorite at community events.
Giving back
The evening also gave residents a way to help neighbors. Visitors were encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Warwick Community Chest, which supports local families in need.
“I thought it was awesome,” said one mother who brought her children. “It’s a really nice thing to do for the community.” She said she appreciated the convenient opportunity to donate food while enjoying the evening.
Everyone’s favorite part
The children who attended had different ideas about the best part of the night. Some spent most of their time on the pool’s slide, others in the bounce house, and at least one young visitor declared that the funnel cake was the highlight.
“It’s a great way to just bring everybody together,” Savage said.
About National Night Out
National Night Out began in 1984 as a nationwide campaign to promote partnerships between police and the communities they serve. Held each August, it encourages neighborhoods to host block parties, cookouts and other gatherings with local law enforcement. Thousands of communities across the country now take part.
Lititz’s Endless Summer event combines that tradition with one of the town’s most popular summer gathering places. Lititz Springs Pool, next to Lititz Springs Park, has been a community fixture for generations, drawing families from across the Warwick area on hot summer days.
Safety tips for summer
Officers at events like Endless Summer often share safety reminders with families: swim where lifeguards are on duty, keep a close eye on young children near water, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated on hot days. Firefighters also encourage families to check smoke detectors and plan escape routes at home.
A community tradition
Events like Endless Summer reflect the close relationship between Lititz residents and their borough police department. The department regularly takes part in community events, from parades and festivals to school programs, giving residents a chance to know officers by name.
For first responders, the evening is also a chance to show appreciation for the community they serve and to recruit volunteers, especially for the fire company, which relies heavily on volunteer members.
For families, it was an easy way to end the summer: a free swim, a snack, and a friendly conversation with the people who keep the town safe.
This article was originally published in August 2015.