Badge bash: hundreds turn out for National Night Out

Across the county, hundreds of residents across dozens of locations came out for National Night Out, a long-standing public safety event where police and fire personnel have the chance to hang out with residents in a relaxed environment.

From the city-organized event in Ocean Shores to neighborhood events in Hoquiam, from east to west county, public safety personnel took the chance to hang out, gulp down a glizzy, or get dunked in the dunk tank by residents.

“We’re here to support the community and our local law enforcement partners,” said Ocean Shores Fire Chief Brian Ritter.

Ocean Shores had broad representation, including the expected fire and police presence, but welcoming state parks and State Patrol as well.

“We love being out here doing this stuff,” said Trooper David Carlson of the Washington State Patrol in an interview. “It’s our busy months. Everyone not from the county coming to the county.”

With increased traffic, Carlson said, is increased risk, especially in the many construction zones spangling our fair county, with a number of DUI collisions involving cars hitting construction equipment occurring recently, Carlson said.

“With the construction zones, please be cognizant of us and the construction workers,” Carlson said. “Please be careful. Work zones are going to be here for a while.”

Ocean Shores residents got the opportunity to exercise democracy as they repeatedly dunked officers from the police department in the dunk tank.

“Having a blast! And I don’t have to sit in the dunk tank this year,” said Chief Neccie Logan of the OSPD. “Big appreciation for the turnout that we do have.”

The National Night Out event in Ocean Shores had expanded from years past, Logan said, crediting City Clerk Sarah Logan with organizing it originally.

“This is a great turnout. We’ve got a few extra booths we haven’t had in the past,” Logan said. “It’s great to get the community and get them involved with their first responders.”

It’s been one of her goals as a police chief, to see this level of involvement for the National Night Out event, Logan said.

“This is kind of my dream when I first came here,” Logan said. “To have a National Night Out that the city put on.”

The events are also a good time for police and fire personnel to catch up when they’re not on a call together, said Chief Joe Strong of the Hoquiam Police Department, at an event at the Hoquiam Elks building.

“It’s an awesome community event. We look forward to it every years,” Strong said. “It’s good to get out and meet the citizens. Not only the citizens, the fire department, engage a little camaraderie.”

Hoquiam police officers beat out their opposite numbers in a game of cornhole while another member of the department dressed as McGruff the Crime Dog circulated with the kids at the event.

“Getting out and talking with the public, there’s a lot of good food,” said Chief Matt Miller of the Hoquiam Fire Department. “Run into people you haven’t seen in years. We’re happy to see it keep going and happen every year.”

In more populated areas, police and fire groups circulated from location to location, Miller said.

“We have multiples we’re hitting,” Miller said. “Different neighborhoods with different people.”

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or michael.lockett@thedailyworld.com.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Hardworking good boy Niko looks around during a National Night Out event in Hoquiam.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Hoquiam police and firefighters engage in a cornhole match during a National Night Out event in Hoquiam.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World State parks personnel were one of a number of uniformed agencies to make an appearance during a National Night Out event in Ocean Shores.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily Worl Washington State Patrol personnel were there to meet with residents during a National Night Out event in Ocean Shores.