Residents will get to meet Glen Cove first responders, enjoy family-friendly activities and celebrate community partnerships when National Night Out returns to downtown Glen Cove next month, continuing a tradition that has brought neighbors and law enforcement together in the city for more than 30 years.
The annual event, presented by the Police Department and the National Night Out Committee, will be held Aug. 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Bridge Street downtown. In the event of rain, festivities will move to the YMCA at Glen Cove.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck said that National Night Out gives residents a chance to see another side of the Police Department while strengthening relationships throughout the community.
“National Night Out is the opportunity for everyone to come down to Glen Cove and spend time, and actually meet our police officers in a different way,” Panzenbeck said. “They get to see all the positive things that the Police Department and its members do for the Glen Cove community.”
The department’s role extends well beyond law enforcement, she said, noting that officers regularly participate in community outreach, visit schools and spend time with seniors.
“It’s so much more than it ever used to be,” Panzenbeck said. “They do community outreach. They do so many wonderful things, and we have the greatest officers. They’re wonderful.”
National Night Out began in 1984, created by the National Association of Town Watch as a nationwide campaign to strengthen relationships between police departments and the communities they serve while promoting crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie. What started with 2.5 million participants in 400 communities across 23 states has grown into an annual event celebrated by millions of people across the country.
For more than 30 years, Glen Cove has participated in the initiative by bringing together residents, first responders and local organizations for an evening focused on public safety, family activities and community engagement.
This year’s event will also recognize Peter Foster, executive director of the YMCA at Glen Cove, as the 2026 National Night Out honoree. Last year, Police Chief William Whitton was honored before he retired from the department.
Foster began his tenure at the Glen YMCA 30 years ago as a camp counselor. In 2006, he took on leadership roles that expanded his impact on local families before becoming the facility’s executive director. The Police department said his work continues to inspire young people and strengthen community ties.
National Night Out Chair Roberto Telese said that Foster was chosen because of his longstanding commitment to Glen Cove.
“Peter is being honored for his exceptional leadership and dedication to serving our community through programs that support youth, families and community partnerships,” Telese said. “His energy, heart, and commitment to our children make him a truly deserving honoree.”
Police Chief Christopher Ortiz said that National Night Out remains one of the department’s favorite community events because it allows officers to interact with residents in a relaxed setting. “It’s really a special event for us,” Ortiz said. “It’s a great evening where we get to meet and engage with our community members. It’s a fun night, especially for the kids.”
Ortiz said that families can once again expect many of the attractions that have become annual traditions.
“We’ll have all the police cars out there for the kids to sit in and play with the sirens,” he said. “We’ll have the demonstrations and different things, Operation Safe Child. So there’s a lot of activities in that three-hour evening.”
He added, “This is my first event as chief, and it’s hopefully going to be a very special evening for that reason. And we have a great honoree in Peter Foster. So I’m looking forward to getting him on stage and really thanking him for all the support that he individually does, and the YMCA does as an organization, to help this Police Department and this community.”
Residents of all ages are invited to attend the free event, which will feature bounce houses, interactive activities, public safety demonstrations, music, refreshments and opportunities to meet members of the Police Department and other first responders. It is co-hosted by the city, the Police Department, the Glen Cove Police Benevolent Association, the Glen Cove Youth Bureau, the Fire Department, Glen Cove EMS, the city housing authority, the Downtown Business Improvement District and local businesses and organizations.
