By Renee Larr
The Town of Whitestown, Whitestown Metropolitan Police Dept. and Whitestown Fire Dept. will host the ninth annual National Night Out from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 1. The event is part of a nationwide campaign to improve relationships between residents and first responders.
“It happens in cities and states all across the country. Kids can come out and meet their law enforcement officers face-to-face and shake their hands. It’s a fun event to show police officers, law enforcement and first responders are here to help,” said Tanya Sumner, Whitestown director of public relations.
The free event typically draws nearly 3,000 residents to the Whitestown Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr. It will include a zip line sponsored by Duke Realty, a photo booth, water gun obstacle course and food that includes hot dogs, chips, water, desserts, snow cones, snacks and ice cream.
Other offerings include the opportunity to donate blood through the Indiana Blood Center and the opportunity for children to get an up-close look at first responder equipment.
“We have all the fire and police apparatus on hand for the kids to see up close and go through,” Sumner said. “There will be fire trucks, SWAT vehicles and police motorcycles. That’s always fun for them.”
Local businesses will offer free information to residents.
“They can’t sell anything, but they can come out and meet the people in the community and hand out promotional items,” Sumner said. “It’s a chance to meet all your local businesses as well as law enforcement personnel.”
The Zionsville Police Dept. doesn’t host a National Night Out event but will provide information and opportunities to interact with residents at Public Safety Day during the annual Fall Festival, set for Sept. 8 to 10 in Lions Park.
For more, visit facebook.com/WhitestownPolice/.
