More than 16,000 communities across the country registered to take part in the annual Naitional Night Out that brings together police officers, firefighters and the community.
"Anytime we can get our officers to interact with kids in our city in a positive environment it's something we have to jump at, and we do," said Deputy Chief Brian Foley with the Hartford Police Department.
The events were held at several spots throughout the city. The Asylum Hill and Joseph Lapenta Clubhouse events came courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford.
“This whole day is about really getting to know your community in a lot of different ways, but most importantly who protects us? Who are those individuals? ” said Sam Gray, President & CEO Boys and Girls Club of Hartford.
Tuesday was not the first time the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford has hosted National Night Out events, in fact they have been participating for the last decade, but some may say this year was different. Amid all the national tension, there was a new focus on breaking down walls and building up trust.
“We have to take the responsibilities of doing things just like this, getting to know our neighbors, getting to know law enforcement, getting to know those individuals that work in our community so that we can drive change in a positive way,” said Gray.
The police department is also pushing for that positive change. Deputy Chief Foley says they hope to grow the department alongside the city and are eager to participate in more National Night Out events for years to come.
Local
National Night Out is always held the first Tuesday in August.
