Only time will tell if 4-year-old Sawyer Marzen follows in the footsteps of his father, Lee Marzen, a detective with the Jim Thorpe Police Department.

But Sawyer was all smiles as he donned his father’s police crowd control uniform at the National Night Out event held at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park.

Sawyer was also thrilled with checking out the fire apparatus at the event, touring an ambulance and visiting various other organizations and professions.

Many children and their parents were at the National Night Out on Tuesday at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park. It was organized by the Jim Thorpe Police Department and Jim Thorpe Community Watch in conjunction with the National Association of Town Watch.

The purpose, Jim Thorpe Chief of Police Joseph Schatz said, is to “heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership and send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”

There were 32 first responder organizations, civic groups, medical facilities and health agencies present at the National Night Out.

“This is a real good turnout,” said Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko. He praised the police department for its efforts in organizing the event but especially recognized Tammy Schatz, head of the Jim Thorpe Community Watch.

Sofranko said, “I thank the community for their support, the police, the nonprofits, the volunteer firefighters. This is a big success.”

He was especially pleased with the large number of donations from the community that were awarded as prizes to children who attended.

One of the prize winners was 10-year-old Dani Hummel, who won a purple bicycle. She said she has a small bicycle at home but she outgrew it.

Many of the organizations distributed handouts.

The Lehighton Ambulance Association had pens, coloring books and other items. In addition, they had dummies in which hands-only CPR was demonstrated by ambulance personnel Robert Merkel, Debbie Connely and Dawn Benner.

The St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network also were present. Both offered hand sanitizer and other specialties. St. Luke’s had information on their mobile laboratory which will go to a residence or workplace. The only cost is for the tests.

Lehigh Valley Health Network representatives Brian McElmoyle and Robyn Plesniarski also handed out glow sticks to the children. Plesniarski said their main message was, “We want everyone to have a safe summer.”

State Rep. Doyle Heffley had a stand and offered informative literature. His stand was behind a line of firetrucks.

As he watched children climb aboard the apparatus and put on plastic fire helmets, he said it brought back memories of his childhood.

“When I was young I went to the Lehighton Fire Department and climbed on the trucks,” he said.

Of the Jim Thorpe event, he said, “I think it’s great to have all the first responders at one spot. It’s wonderful the way so many people worked together to make this happen. I think it’s really needed in this county.”

Music was provided by DJ Monroe Berger, who served as master of ceremonies.

The Jim Thorpe Police Department had a prescription takeback box to dispose of unused or expired prescriptions.

Refreshments were provided to those attending.

Other organizations represented included

Pa. Attorney General’s Office, Lehighton barracks of the state police, Carbon County Emergency Management Agency, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Carbon County District Attorney’s Office.

Jim Thorpe Fire Department. Albrightsville Fire Department, Nesquehoning Fire Department, Lake Harmony Fire Department, Jim Thorpe Borough Manager, Carbon Career and Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe Area School District, Recovery House, Domestic Violence Center, Pathstone Carbon, Jim Thorpe Touchdown Club, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Development Services, Thirty-One, Carbon County Special Olympics, Narcotics Anonymous, Silver Pine Treatment Center, Jim Thorpe Rotary Club, Army National Guard, Girl Scout Troop 30903, Carbon Monroe Pike Drug & Alcohol, Turn to Us and Lehigh Valley Reads.