Residents in Bellefontaine and Lakeview came out Tuesday night for National Night Out, a community-building event held across the country on the first Tuesday of August.
The night focused on strengthening relationships between neighbors and local law enforcement, while promoting safety and unity.
Washington Township Police hosted its first-ever National Night Out at the park in Lakeview.
Chief Michael Thompson and his officers welcomed families with the help of the Indian Lake EMS, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, ODNR, and the Lakeview Fire Department.
Guests enjoyed free burgers, hot dogs, chips, and water, along with face painting, music from DJ Lance Minnich, and a variety of surprise activities that kept kids and adults busy throughout the evening.
Chief Thompson talks about why they hosted the event and says lots of things are in the works for the upcoming months:
In Bellefontaine, the city’s Police and Fire Departments partnered with the Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni to host their annual celebration at Brown Park.
Families joined in on games, music, and the chance to connect with officers and firefighters in a relaxed setting.
Attendees were treated to grilled food and root beer floats, as well as a special treat when the police and firefighters participated in a friendly tug-of-war contest.
Bellefontaine Chief Chris Marlow says the event was well attended and tells what’s happening next for his department:
