Cranford Ice Pops with the Cops Event August 2026

Free ice pops and a fire hose welcomed kids at Orange Avenue School in Cranford on Wednesday, August 26. The event, "Ice Pops with the Cops and Cool Down with the FD," brought together community members, Cranford police officers, and Cranford Fire Department members to celebrate the end of summer break and prepare students to return to school.

Cranford police officers handed out ice pops while Cranford Fire Department members turned on the hose and invited kids to run through the spray. Children climbed inside police vehicles and fire engines and met the first responders staffing them.

The event is hosted annually by Cranford Public Schools at a different school each year. This year's location was Orange Avenue School.

"This event was started a few years back to celebrate the end of summer break while getting kids ready to return to school," said Cranford Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro. "Our officers all join in on the event, especially our school resource officers who also return to the schools in September. It's a great opportunity for us to reconnect with those students we have not caught wearing a helmet over the summer too."

Nazzaro also credited the school district for making the event work. "The Cranford Public Schools has been a great partner in hosting it annually at a different school, and we are happy to be at Orange Avenue School once again this year," he said.

The partnership between law enforcement, fire services, and schools strengthens community bonds while introducing young people to first responders in a relaxed, celebratory setting.

Union County Life covers Cranford community events and first responder partnerships. Find more Cranford events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Cranford Police Department

FAQ

Q: What is the Ice Pops with the Cops event?
A: It is an annual community event hosted by Cranford Public Schools where police officers hand out free ice pops and fire department members operate a fire hose for kids to run through.

Q: When was the event held?
A: The event was held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Q: Where was the event held?
A: The event was held at Orange Avenue School in Cranford.

Q: What activities were available?
A: Children received free ice pops from police officers, ran through the fire hose spray, and toured inside police vehicles and fire engines to meet first responders.

Q: Why does the Cranford Police and Fire Department host this event?
A: According to Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro, the event was started to celebrate the end of summer break while getting kids ready to return to school and to help officers reconnect with students before the school year begins.

Q: Do school resource officers participate?
A: Yes. School resource officers particularly join in since they return to schools in September.

Q: Is this the first year of the event?
A: No. The event has been running for a few years and is hosted annually at a different Cranford school each year.

Q: How does the school district support the event?
A: Cranford Public Schools hosts the event annually and selects a different school location each year.

Q: What did Police Chief Nazzaro say about the partnership?
A: Nazzaro stated, "The Cranford Public Schools has been a great partner in hosting it annually at a different school, and we are happy to be at Orange Avenue School once again this year."

Q: Will the event happen again next year?
A: Yes. The event is held annually at a different Cranford school location each year.