Coming up on August 5 will be the next Police National Night Out, when first responding agencies across the country hold gatherings with their communities to help foster better relationships with the people they serve.

In St. Joseph, National Night Out will be held at Maiden Lane Community Park with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, the St. Joseph Township Police Department, and the Lincoln Township Police all represented. Lincoln Township Police Officer Derek Boone tells us there will be plenty for everyone to see.

“There’s fire trucks, police cars for kids to come out and show support for law enforcement, EMS, any first responder coming out,” Boone said.
“So, it’s a free event for the community, and you can come out and get cups, toys, stickers, everything and see all the police cars and fire trucks and stuff like that.”

Boone says the National Night Out always attracts a good crowd as people want to meet their police.

“They’re interested in talking to us about our jobs. Usually we get asked a lot of questions. It’s very exciting for the kids because they get to go in the patrol cars and the fire trucks, get to touch light sirens and see how we work and operate.”

The event on August 5 will include a landing from MedFlight, weather permitting, and hot air balloon rides will be provided by RE/MAX. As always, hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.

The 42nd annual National Night Out celebration will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the fifth, and everyone’s invited.