Old Town Police Join Ranks Of National “Night Out” Participants

The community of Old Town, together with its police department, is getting ready to join the ranks of a nationwide campaign called "National Night Out."

National Night Out was created to strengthen the bonds between cops and the communities, nationwide. The entire thought behind these events, which all take place simultaneously throughout the U.S. on the first Tuesday in August, is to bring together police and folks from the neighborhoods under positive circumstances.

Originally started in the 1970s and '80s as a way to connect Neighborhood Watch Groups and with the resources they needed, National Night Out has grown larger, into an opportunity for neighborhoods to come together, as a whole, with each other. And it gives the Police a chance to get to know the community members they help serve and protect.

"National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more. "

According to Deputy Chief Lee Miller with the Old Town Police Department, the department is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with citizens in a fun and pressure-free way as they host their first-ever National Night Out next week.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, meet our local law enforcement officers, and strengthen the bonds that make our city a great place to live. We're looking forward to a night filled with fun, food, and camaraderie."

Old Town's event will take place on Tuesday, August 6th at 5:30 at the park on Main Street. Along with a free BBQ, there will be a Touch-A-Truck and Bounce House, along with other family-friendly games. They'll close out the night with a free outdoor movie, so don't forget to bring your lawn chairs or a blanket.

There is no fee or registration required to join in next week's fun. It's entirely free to take part.

Miller hopes everyone will come out and enjoy the festivities, and connect with their neighbors and local police department.