HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – August 4, 2026
Families from across the community gathered at Manor Field Park in Huntington Station for National Night Out, hosted by the Town of Huntington and the Suffolk County Police Department Second Precinct. The annual event brought residents, law enforcement, Town officials, local organizations and businesses together for an evening focused on strengthening the partnership between law enforcement and the residents they serve.
A special shout out goes to Community Liaison Officer Kateri (Kat) Licul for all the work she did to bring the evening together. A special thank you also goes to Kevin Thorbourne, Director of Human Services for the Town of Huntington, whose hard work behind the scenes helped ensure the event ran smoothly for the many children and families who attended.
Michelle Foulke, Senior Citizens Advocate for the Town of Huntington, did an amazing job as the MC, welcoming and thanking everyone involved in the evening’s events. Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo introduced Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who enthusiastically exclaimed, “I love Huntington!” Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Frank Catalina addressed the crowd and acknowledged the fantastic work of Second Precinct Inspector Markus Rivera and Deputy Inspector Steven Rohde. Many of the officers who work every day to keep our community safe were there for the evening.
Joining in the celebration were Town of Huntington Deputy Supervisor John McCarron and staff; Town Councilwoman Jennifer Hebert; Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman; Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino and Deputy Superintendent Walter Edwards; Suffolk County Legislators Tom Donnelly and Stephanie Bontempi; and many Town department directors.
One of the highlights of the evening was meeting the Second Precinct Explorers, who staffed the precinct table and handed out the beautiful raffle prize baskets. It was wonderful to see such an enthusiastic group of young people excited to serve their community.
There was no shortage of fun for families. The Town extended the spray park hours so children could enjoy the water throughout the evening, along with the playground and sports activities. Mac Bounce kept the kids entertained, while Mac’s Snack Shack served free hot dogs. Station Barbershop donated the ice cream. A live DJ had everyone singing along and even dancing together in the parking lot.
Huntington Matters joined dozens of community organizations, libraries and local businesses on hand, offering giveaways, activities and valuable information. Resource tables connected residents with services related to housing, food assistance, mental health, substance use recovery, healthcare, churches and many other community supports.
Local businesses helped add to the evening, with Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and others providing food and refreshments. Target, a longtime supporter of National Night Out, donated food and snacks for the event.
Other law enforcement agencies joined the Suffolk County Police Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Police and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Suffolk County Police also brought the BearCat tactical vehicle, giving children a chance to climb inside and explore it up close.
What a great evening it was for kids, adults and neighbors to spend time together, make new connections and reconnect with familiar faces. Children had the chance to interact with the police officers who serve their community, while neighbors talked, laughed and caught up with friends they have made over the years. We enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces, talking with neighbors and meeting Huntington Matters Community Forum members in person for the first time. It’s those moments of connection throughout the community that make National Night Out one of our favorite events of the year.
Photography by Dana E. Richter, June Margolin, Diane Schaber and Jennifer Cespedes. Videography by June Margolin. Video Editing by Dana E. Richter.
