Families and community connected with Rockton Police Department at National Night Out
All ages filled the Village Green Park on Aug. 4 at Rockton's National Night Out event.
National Night Out enhances and strengthens the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
These events are an expansion of the dedication of departments and agencies both nationwide and locally.
On Tuesday, August 4 families and the overall community connected with the Rockton Police and fire department at the 2026 National Night Out. Everything was free to the public.
The Village Green Park was transformed into a place of pure fun for all ages.
Everyone who came out had the opportunity to swim in the Walt Williamson pool.
All ages had the opportunity to see what is inside a fire truck or an Army vehicle display. Everyone had the option to “Touch a Truck” and to learn the operations of the trucks.
On the grounds was a the “Radical Run” a 35 ft. inflatable obstacle course proved to be a popular hot spot for young ones.
Artistic flair happened at the with temporary tattoos applied by Susan Jobst.
A giant Connect Four and Inflatable games led the way to pure fun!
Food, drinks, and ice cream were provided and Wicked Sweets was on hand.
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Further community outreach happened in the form of a school supply drive. This drive consisted of 200 bags being filled with various items including pocket folders, rulers, scissors, pens, pencils, highlighters, pencil sharpeners, pencil pouches, and glue sticks.
The first 200 folks who showed up to the National Night Out with their children were the recipients of the supplies.
These items were purchased through a donation that was given tot the Rockton Police Department.
Rockton Police Chief, Justin Jobst said, Notably a large portion of the pencil pouches contained free donated food options from local establishments such as Burger King, McDonalds, Arby’s, Mary’s Market, Casey’s pizza.
Dollar Tree in Rockton gave paper, colored pencils, pens, pencils, highlighters, glue sticks and pencil boxes.
Many gift cards and village pool possess all contributed to extra layers of fun.
Very nice baskets, prize drawings and lucky winners of bicycles were given away all thanks to generous sponsors.
Culver’s family packs, a 10 person visit to Viking Lanes in South Beloit, various family packs for local restaurants, a Weber Grill, Sky Carp tickets, a one month membership to the YMCA, Ice Hogs tickets, and certificates to use at local businesses only tap the surface of items that were given away.
Gracie Cox of Rockton was chosen to receive a ride to school with Chief of Police Justin Jobst at the beginning of the school year.
Students are required to be either in the Rockton or Hononegah School districts to be eligible to have their names drawn for this special ride.
A generous ultimate prom gift packages were given to select Hononegah Community High School to help them make special memories at this years prom.
When a young visitor became lost in the Village Green Park the police officers instantly comforted them and helped them find their way back to whomever they came with.
"In a day where police are scrutinized so heavily the way the police handled this situation warmed my heart. The officer who helped him was so gentle and kind. I think this describes how great our police department really is," said Rockton Village Trustee, Sarah Doerflinger.
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Beyond National Night Out both Rockton Police and Fire are ready to serve the community by answering the call for emergencies, incidents and filling different needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With a team name of “Freezin’ for a Reason, the Rockton Police and Fire have teamed up to support Special Olympics by raising money and participating in Polar Plunges over the years.
They also organized bike rodeos as another form or outreach to the community, along with eight Blues and BBQ’s events organized by the Rockton Police Association.
Money from the Blues and BBQ’s events are used to support community needs.
One of the ways they give back is The Rockton Police Association awarding the Jaimie Cox Memorial Scholarship to deserving Hononegah Community High School seniors who are going into emergency services such as law enforcement, fire services, Emergency Medical Technician, or Nursing.
Last years scholarship winners were Madeline Grady and Lauren Douglas.
Our members graciously donate to help keep the news free for everyone. Please help support independent, unbiased local news in South Beloit, Rockton, and Roscoe. With no ads if you donate!
The Jaimie Cox Memorial Scholarship was established by the Rockton Police Association, and Caitlin Cox and family in memory of Jaimie who was a Rockford Police Officer who lost his life on Nov. 5, 2017.
Neighborhood Watch meetings are hosted by beat officers. Officers are always on hand to direct traffic while events are happening.
Rockton Police also takes part in National Police week every May which honors law enforcement officers who dies or sacrificed in the line of duty.
Rockton Fire welcomes the public to an annual an open house during Fire Prevention Week in early October where they can visit with members of the department and learn more about what the department does for the community. Year round local students can visit the department as an educational field trip.
Adults have the opportunity to learn first aid and CPR through classes.
National Night Out is an extra way that Rockton Police and fire can reach out to the community they serve.
Thanks to all of the very generous sponsors Rockton’s National Night Out fulfilled its mission of allowing connections to be made while supporting the overall community in various ways!
