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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Some scattered rain showers Tuesday afternoon didn’t stop Central Virginia first responders from celebrating National Night Out, as agencies across the region, and country, welcomed members of the public to their respective events.
In Albemarle County, hundreds gather at the Putt Putt Fun Center to play rounds of mini golf with officers, explore vehicles and equipment used by first responders and meet a K-9 unit.
Attendees at Charlottesville’s Washington Park event got to see the UVA Health Helicopter “Pegasus,” and even had the opportunity to dunk Police Chief Michael Kochis in a dunk tank.
But above all, NNO once again gave first responders the chance to have interactions and conversations with those they serve, something ACPD Deputy Chief of Operations Randy Jamerson told Cville Right Now is “invaluable.”
“It’s all about relationships in the community,” Jamerson said. “That’s what policing is all about. The police are here to serve their community. So this just enhances that, gives us an opportunity to showcase some of the toys, if you will, that we utilize. And then gives the community a chance to see them, ask questions about them and also build relationships while we’re doing that.”
Albemarle’s event was put on in partnership with the Albemarle County Police Foundation, a community organization that seeks private funding to support ACPD. Executive director Kate Kaminski told Cville Right Now NNO is their biggest event of the year, with over 1,200 people participating last year.
“What we love about it is it’s an opportunity to bring the police and the community together in a non-enforcement environment,” Kaminski said. “So it’s just relaxed and fun, and they get to know each other as human beings, and it really helps to build that trust.”
Kaminski also said she enjoyed answering questions from kids and showing them different equipment. Attendees at the event could also participate in a scavenger hunt, giving them a reason to engage with and ask questions of the officers.
Charlottesville and Albemarle were among a number of localities to participate in the national event, including Greene, Orange, Madison, Louisa and Scottsville.
Events in the nearby Shenandoah Valley also attracted a big name in Governor Abigail Spanberger, who attended events in Harrisonburg and Augusta County.
The national event once again provided first responders with a valuable opportunity to engage with its community, but Jamerson emphasized that community engagement is an integral part of what they do.
He also encouraged those interested to come by the police department or call the non-emergency number if they ever have any questions.
“This is a coordinated effort across the nation for this 1st Tuesday in August,” Jamerson said. “But we could do this anytime. We could do this on a Saturday. We could do it on a Tuesday afternoon. It doesn’t matter. You call our non-emergency number, we’ll bring our show to you to come see you.”