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National Night Out Fist bumps, fun rule in Lehighton

Orion Fisher likely never imagined he would one day exchange a fist bump with a member of law enforcement.

Yet, there was Orion, 7, center-stage sharing a good-hearted moment with Lehighton Police Detective Matt Arner.

The friendly gesture took place at Lehighton’s National Night Out held Tuesday night in the Upper Park by the amphitheater.

It came to be as the Lehighton Downtown Partnership teamed up with the Lehighton Borough Police Department to host the event.

Those who attended were able to interact with Lehighton borough police officers and other first responders.

Youths were able to take a tour of a firetruck courtesy of the Lehighton Fire Department.

Some played games, while a good many chose to cool down with free snow cones.

Others, such as Chase Snyder, 6, of Lehighton, learned how to perform CPR on a dummy at the Lehighton Ambulance Paramedics stand.

Tiffany Snyder, of Lehighton, said she was glad she brought her son to the event.

“It’s a nice night to have the kids come out and meet first responders,” Snyder said.

Dawn Benner, an EMT with the Lehighton Ambulance Association, said it’s important to impart life lessons to children at an early age.

“It’s a great opportunity to teach them vital skills,” Benner said. “It’s to help orient them to what we do (in case) they ever need to use the services.”

For those who stuck it out, the night ended with a free showing of the police-themed movie “Zootopia” at the amphitheater.

Arner said the police department and first responders were grateful they were able to come together as a community to highlight the services they provide.

“This is a great opportunity for people in public to come out and talk to us,” Arner said. “I’m impressed with the turnout of people here, the groups that came out to support this.”

The police department even sported new uniforms, which Arner noted they specifically debuted at the event.

“They’re very comfortable,” he said.

Lehighton Police Detective Matt Arner fist bumps Orion Fisher, 7, of Lehighton, during National Night Out held Tuesday night in the Lehighton Upper Park. Also pictured is Orion's grandmother, Kelly Quigley of Lehighton. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
Chase Snyder, 6, of Lehighton, practices CPR on a dummy as he follows instructions from Dawn Benner, EMT, Lehighton Ambulance Paramedics, Tuesday night during National Night Out in Lehighton's Upper Park. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS