National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August in thousands of communities across America.

Fort Dodge Police Chief Roger Porter explains, “It’s a way to break down barriers between law enforcement in the community and the citizens that we serve.”

Porter said he enjoys National Night Out because it gives him a chance to meet more of the community.

“We get quite a few people from all walks of life, young and old and everything in between,” said Porter, “Anytime you can do something that gets the community together that is something fun and social is a positive thing.”

-Messenger file photo
Jamarcus Gully, then 10, of Fort Dodge, gets to check out the view from behind a face piece as stops to check out the Fort Dodge Fire Department’s gear at the 2016 Night Out and Back to School Bash held at the Crossroads Mall.

Serving Our Servants has taken over the games and activities for National Night Out this year.

T.J. Pingel of S.O.S. said, “We’ve always been at National Night Out, usually just handing out water or something, but this year we’ve got a flavored ice machine, cotton candy machine, bubble machine, giant connect four, bean bags, and music.”

Usually the law enforcement groups handle all the planning. “It’s just a way for us to give back to those first responders for us to take over some of the activities so they can just go out there and have fun with the kids,” said Pingel.

Serving Our Servants is a local non-profit started in 2014 by the late Rev. Al Henderson. “We go out there to support our first responders, law enforcement, fire department and those who serve our community,” Pingel said.

Pingel said he hopes the event will leave a good impression on members of the community. “National Night Out is about getting these kids a positive first interaction with first responders so if a situation arises, they’re not scared of these people,” he said. “Those situations can be traumatic and having these men and women come in uniform, that’s not how you want them to know them for the first time. If they can remember these are the same people they had fun with and could play with at National Night Out, then it’s not as scary when they come when they need help.”

-Messenger file photo
Abram, the Fort Dodge Police Department’s canine locates a hidden stash of drugs in a vehicle during a demonstration with his partner, patrol officer Troy Kleppe during the 2016 Night Out and Back to School Bash held at the Crossroads Mall.

If you go

What: National Night Out

When: Tuesday

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Where: City Square Park