Westport Police To Host Department's 1st National Night Out Community Event

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Police Department will hold its first National Night Out community event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Taylor Lot and Jesup Green.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign held on the first Tuesday in August to promote partnerships between law enforcement and residents.

Established in 1984 by Matt Peskin in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, the event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is observed by communities across the country. The Fairfield Police Department is also hosting a National Night Out event.

The free event will give residents an opportunity to meet members of the Westport Police Department, Fire Department and EMS while learning about crime prevention, fire safety and first aid.

Planned activities include child identification kits, an impaired driving course, K-9 and police drone demonstrations, a Fire Department smoke trailer, a crash simulator, a Touch-a-Truck display, a Dunk-a-Cop booth, a "Beat the Chief" free throw contest, face painting, live performances by two local bands, and bicycle and swim safety information from local businesses and community organizations.

Food will be available from a pizza truck and local ice cream vendors.

"This event is an opportunity for residents to meet the first responders who serve their community, learn valuable safety information, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun," the Westport police officials said in a statement. "We hope everyone will join us as we celebrate community partnerships and work together to make Westport an even safer place to live."

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Westport Police Department.