Trussville hosts annual National Night Out on Oct. 3

The annual National Night Out campaign, begun in 1984, promotes positive relationships between communities and police and other first responders.

Thousands of American cities host events, including cookout and festivals, to bring together police and citizens under happy circumstances.

The Trussville Police Department and Trussville Fire & Rescue will host their National Night Out in the Target parking lot Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 5-8 p.m.

The free event will allow attendees to meet first responders, tour public safety vehicles and enjoy other activities, according to Sgt. Chuck Bradford of the Trussville Police Department.

National Night Out “gives the community and businesses a chance to showcase their support for public safety and bring people together,” Bradford said.

The event is all about creating “different avenues of interaction between police officers and the community,” he said.

The event will feature displays, including a jail cell. There will be mascots, giveaways and prizes. The first 500 guests will receive free hot dogs, chips and drinks, courtesy of one of theevent sponsors.

There will be activities for kids, including a slide, bounce house and cornhole game.

“We need to continue to build trust and build relationships between community and public safety personnel, especially kids,” Bradford said. “This is about providing a great atmosphere for kids and allowing them to interact with fire and police personally at a younger age than they are used to.”

For more information, visit trussvillepd.org or Facebook @trussvillepolice.