Now seven years strong, the Tri-Town National Night Out is one of the highlights of the summer.
Since 2013, the fire, police, and EMS departments of Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester have come together on the grounds of Old Rochester Regional to connect with the people of the communities they serve and offer them the chance to explore the apparatuses and tools of their trade: to serve, protect, and rescue.
“This is a great opportunity for the community and our first responders to get to know each other and ask any questions they have about the various local departments and the work we do,” said Marion Police Chief John Garcia. “Our hope is that positive interactions between community members and first responders at events like this help to make the community stronger, and we encourage residents from all three communities to attend.”
The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) first introduced National Night Out in 1984, establishing it on the first Tuesday in August every year.
Seventy-five communities in Massachusetts this year hosted National Night Out events.
“It’s easy to think that with today’s technology, we don’t need to reach out and connect with our neighbors,” says the NATW. “While home security systems afford us with additional protection, they can’t help us to get to know the individuals who live nearby and who might be able to support us not only in times of need, but also share part of their lives with us.
“This is what National Night Out is about: communities coming together in a stance against crime. It starts with us.”
By Jean Perry
