National Night Out Tuesday At Equestrian Center in Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — The Harford County Sheriff's Office will be hosting National Night Out this Tuesday at the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air.

The annual event, observed the first Tuesday in August since 1984, offers a chance for local communities to promote positive police-community partnerships and neighborhood comradery to make neighborhoods safer places to live, according to organizers.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Equestrian Center, 608 Tollgate Rd., locals of all ages will have a chance to interact with members of the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff's Office and several local police departments, in addition to other first responders and community organizations.

Kyle Andersen, public information officer for the Harford County Sheriff's Office, said Wednesday that the guest list still is being finalized, but is extensive.

Andersen said the sheriff's office would have representatives from Animal Control, Honor Guard, Marine Unit, Traffic Unit, the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit and K-9 Unit, the latter offering demonstrations. Additionally, the sheriff's office will bring out motorcycles and its Hope House, a mock bedroom that allows parents to see warning signs of drug addiction.

There also will be representatives from the Child Advocacy Center and Project Child Print, which creates ID cards for children, Andersen said.

The event also is expected to feature officers from several local police departments, Maryland state troopers and representatives from the Maryland Fire Marshal, Harford County Emergency Services, Harford County State's Attorney's Office and Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG).

Matthew Gullion, a sergeant with the Bel Air Police Department, said representatives from his department will be at the event educating the public about new laws, crime prevention and traffic safety. He said creating positive connections between the police and the public is extremely valuable.

"Often when we respond for service, there is one person who would prefer we not be there, and that can create a stressful situation," Gullion told Patch. "However, much of law enforcement involves positive relationships with the community. We desire it and the community expects it.

"When we have events like Faith & Blue (in the fall) or (National Night Out), it's an awesome opportunity to come together in a positive, uplifting way, breaking down any and all barriers (between the police and the community) and enjoying our time with the community. We need to capitalize on that."

Gullion also brought up Sir Robert Peel's 9 Policing Principles to explain the significance of National Night Out. Peel is considered the "father of modern policing," and principal No. 7 suggests "the police are the public and the public are the police."

"When we have National Night Out and law enforcement are there, you have to remember they are members of the same community (as those attending)," Gullion said. "A lot of times we get isolated because we're wearing a uniform. But on National Night Out, we get to join the community, the same community we already belong to, and show that we're more than just the badge. We get to have these great quality friendships and interactions."