Hastings third annual National Night Out on Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is a chance for the public to see the equipment of Barry County’s emergency services providers, watch kid’s activities, enjoy free hot dogs, chips and a drink, win prizes and talk to police, firefighters and ambulance personnel who serve them twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
What started out nationally as a chance to improve relationships between the public and the police has evolved into all emergency services building relationships with the community and between agencies.
Deputy Police Chief Dale Boulter, chairman of the “night out” committee, told WBCH in June,
“The Hastings Police Department is excited and once again ready to take on this challenge”, adding “We have many hours of preparation and planning to make this a great event for Hastings and all Barry County residents.”
After last year’s event, Boulter said he was pleased with the participation by area residents and especially that it brought the emergency services people together in a casual setting. All the agencies personnel respond when called for mutual aid, but they don’t have a chance to interact in low pressure settings very often.
“We had the Hastings Reserve Officers and the Barry County Posse members both directing traffic at the entrance to Tyden Park. It was awesome to see.”
This year, the parking lot above the entrance of the park will be reserved for the handicapped, elderly and expectant mothers, and general vehicular traffic will be banned during the event day to allow the setup of the equipment. Use of the park and River Walk would be allowed during the day.
Photos: (left, from top)
A popular activity at last year’s National Night Out was kids putting their hand prints on a huge, white snow plow blade. Here, Constance Volosky adds hers.
Gaige, Trey and Cal Beard are dwarfed at the 2018 National Night Out by equipment used by Barry County emergency services personnel.
Demonstrations are part of National Night Out, where emergency services members show what they do. This photo from last year’s event shows how firefighters use the Jaws of Life to free people trapped in a car.
