TYLER, Texas (KETK)– National Night Out, an annual community-building event that helps strengthen relationships between communities and local law enforcement, took place Tuesday, and several East Texas police departments participated.<\/p>\n
Tyler<\/p>\n
Tyler celebrated National Night Out by hosting several block parties across the city, including a large gathering at Hillside Park, attended by local churches, community groups and the Tyler Police Department.<\/p>\n
The event allowed attendees to interact and spend time with officers who work every day to protect the Tyler community.<\/p>\n
“The kids don’t have a problem walking up to me in full uniform and they’re saying, hi, police officers and shaking my hand or wanting a sticker,” Tyler Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said. “All those things combined just help this event, along with the other ones we do throughout the year, foster a great working relationship with our community.”<\/p>\n
Jacksonville<\/p>\n
People in Jacksonville gathered downtown for National Night Out along with over 100 local businesses and vendors who supplied food and free items.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville Police Chief Steven McKay said the event is intended to help build relationships between local law enforcement and residents.<\/p>\n
The city said they believe over 3,000 people in Jacksonville attended this year’s National Night Out.<\/p>\n