On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Hillsdale hosted National Night Out, an annual, nation-wide tradition hosted by many police departments in order to foster community relationships between officers, crime watch groups, volunteer organizations, and residents, in an event aimed at education and fun festivities.
On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Hillsdale hosted National Night Out, an annual, nation-wide tradition hosted by many police departments in order to foster community relationships between officers, crime watch groups, volunteer organizations, and residents, in an event aimed at education and fun festivities. The tradition, which numerous police departments have been partaking in since 1984, has been electively held on the first Tuesday in August since its inception.
The Hillsdale Police Department provided locals with food, drinks, games, demonstrations, and a movie under the stars. This year’s feature was Finding Dory, and dozens pulled up lawn chairs and blankets in front of the big-screen projector after a fun and informative evening. The event began at 6 p.m. on Memorial Field, and demonstrations were highlighted by those performed by SWAT and K-9 units, as well as a Police Aviation Unit.
Guests were treated to pizza and barbecue, as the demonstrations unfolded. The action-packed evening had dogs performing takedowns, low-flying choppers zipping by overhead, suited-up SWAT officers, vehicles, robotics, and technology. After plenty of hands-on experience, it seems that everyone in attendance returned from the event more well-acquainted with their local law enforcement in some or many ways.
Photos by Tom Moorhead