SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Neighbors connected with their local police officers Tuesday across Hampton Roads during National Night Out events, with one of the biggest taking place in Suffolk.
“The city awaits this moment, and this is a moment where we get to come together as a community, a village to celebrate our first responders,” set-up director and pastor Karl Wilkins said.
“The kids are excited,” said Suffolk resident Helen Simmons. “They don’t have to be afraid of the police. It’s nice.”
Strengthening relationships is what’s at the core of National Night Out — the annual community-building campaign for law enforcement agencies all across Hampton Roads. The city of Suffolk has had one of the largest events for years.
“We work throughout the year to build this community event to where it’s free for everyone, to where it’s no pressure, no political campaigning involved and people just get together, and they know they are here just to have a good time,” said Suffolk National Night out organizer Cusi Hamlin.
It was a good time, indeed, as there was everything from a health fair to dancing to tasty treats.
Most important, there was quality one-on-one time with local police, firefighters and various other city workers.
“I love seeing the community out here,” said Katie Russell, a community risk reduction coordinator for Suffolk Fire & Rescue. “It’s great to see them not at an emergency scene. It’s really cool. It’s fun. Everybody’s happy. I love teaching kids, but it’s cool to see the parents, too. It’s been a lot of fun today.”
It’s fun that first responders across all of Hampton Roads say doesn’t have to end.
“It’s super important for them to come out when it’s not an emergency just to see what we offer,” Russell said. “We have Mark 1 out here. They are a response team that helps with behavioral emergencies, mental health and the fire department. We’re here whenever you need us.”
They invite everyone to get more involved in their community.
