National Night Out(standing)

The park was full with people and activities for Colfax Police Department’s National Night Out event. Crowds gathered for food and fun Aug. 5, along with a bonus of the Colfax Farmers’ Market joining in, to celebrate the relationship between local law enforcement and the community.

“It is great to get out, interact with the community and let them know we are the good guys and we are here to help them,” Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess said. “I like having the interaction with community members and getting to know them in a one-on-one basis so when we they me in town they can call me by name.”

Officers were flipping burgers and serving up salads will kids enjoyed the bounce house and everyone in the park got to hear tunes from the live band. Burdess started this event in Colfax three years ago when he took over as chief and finds it to be a great way to see the citizens in an informal, relaxed setting.

It is also a great way to continue to build relationships with kids in the community.

“I go into the school, teach DARE, so when the kids see me they say ‘Hey, chief,’” Burdess said. “Just adding that personal touch.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. It started more than 40 years ago in 1984 as a way to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Events throughout the country feature block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more. On hand in Colfax was the Colfax Police Department, Jasper County Emergency Management and the Colfax Fire Department along with a variety of city officials and community leaders.

The event is just another way for barriers to be broken down between citizens and officers. It helps to make a smoother experience for everyone when the call is put out for help and the faces responding are familiar from a positive interaction.