HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Security Forces Squadron will host a National Night Out event Aug. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Memorial Park here to promote police and community partnerships as well as neighborhood camaraderie.
According to the National Night Out website, thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide participate. Organizers hold the event on the first Tuesday in August each year.
“The National Night Out initiative seeks to enhance relationships between law enforcement and those in the community,” said Staff Sgt. Lauren Walker, a member of Security Forces and co-organizer of this year’s event. “We have a strong relationship with our community but want to build on that through this event.”
The event is open to anyone with base access.
Family-friendly activities include a dunk tank, inflatable bounce house, military working dog and weapon demonstration and much more. Local vendors and Hanscom private organizations will also be on hand selling food.
“There will be plenty of food available to purchase, free games and a Boston Med Flight helicopter and mounted police unit displays,” said Staff Sgt. Christine Tuato’o, a member of 66 SFS and co-organizer for the event. “Last year we had more than 300 people attend and hope for an even larger turnout this year.”
Law enforcement officials held the first National Night Out in 1984. The event involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. However, the event soon grew to a celebration beyond just front porch vigils, according to the organization’s website.
For further information about Hanscom’s event, contact Walker at 781-225-5624 or by email at lauren.walker.6@us.af.mil or Tuato’o at 781-225-5626 or by email at christine.tuatoo@us.af.mil.