Maxwell Evans, Arlington resident and patrol officer, 28, left, and Elonda Montgomery, Arlington Police Department school resource officer, talk during a National Night Out event Oct. 6 at the East Library and Recreation Center. Officer Montgomery said the event gives officers an opportunity to interact with the community.
Residents gathered at the East Library and Recreation Center on Tuesday to celebrate National Night Out.
The event promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, according to the Arlington city website. It encourages neighborhoods, businesses and organizations to come together with first responders in organized parties to forge a lasting relationship.
Elonda Montgomery, Arlington Police Department school resource officer, said an important part of the event is families, children and organizations coming together to get along regardless of differences.
Montgomery, who has been working in the profession for over 20 years, said she wants residents, especially children, to feel comfortable interacting with police officers rather than fearing them.
She said residents can report anything they see to the police to work together to keep the community a safe environment.
Arlington resident Nyla Dearmas, 5, gets her face painting during a National Night Out event Oct. 6 at the East Library and Recreation Center. The event included a chalk obstacle course and an open chalk area.
“We want to keep East Arlington as safe as possible, and we got officers out there that will work to keep this community safe,” Montgomery said.
Lamont Evans, who went to the event with Seasons of Change, a nonprofit, said the event allows residents to honor the hard work officers do every day.
“We let them know that we support them and they support us as well,” Lamont Evans said.
He said officers can get to know the community they serve, while residents can get to know the people protecting them.
Patrol officer Maxwell Evans said the event brings people of different backgrounds together, and if the community stays together, it can be in a better position.
“We have a great community in Arlington, and everyone can kind of get along,” Maxwell Evans said.
Elonda Montgomery, Arlington Police Department school resource officer, right, high-fives children during a National Night Out event Oct. 6 at the East Library and Recreation Center. Attendees could enjoy free snacks and beverages.
Maxwell Evans said police officers and residents rely on each other to solve various problems, and a lack of trust could cause discomfort in society.
Attendees enjoyed activities, including a bounce house, face painting and a chalk obstacle course.
Arlington resident Jorge Medina, 45, who came to the event with his wife and three children, said they were enjoying the weather and open space for his children to run around in, after experiencing rain the previous week.
Medina said the event serves as a way for residents to see all the resources the city has to offer.
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