In the hope to combat violence and create safer neighborhoods, local law enforcement agencies are participating in National Night Out to help promote community-police partnerships.
The Pensacola Police Department is hosting National Night Out in Escambia County with the help of CDAC Behavioral Healthcare for an evening of “strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community we proudly serve,” the PPD said.
“It’s a way to say, ‘We’re here,’ all the vendors and law enforcement, EMS and the fire department,” said Denise Manassa, CDAC’s director of community prevention. “We’re here to be supportive people for everybody that lives here in Pensacola in Escambia County.”
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office told the News Journal that its deputies will also be in attendance.
Residents can expect 40-plus community vendors in attendance along with a variety of interactive activities that include touch-a-truck, police K-9 demonstration and opportunities to meet officers from around the PPD and ECSO department.
National Night Out, which is free to attend and will have free food and activities, will be held at 5 p.m. at Booker T. Washington High School on 6000 College Parkway on Aug. 4.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is also partnering with the Milton Police Department to hold their own event for National Night Out on Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. at the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center at 5629 Byrom St.
“National Night Out is a great opportunity to strengthen the relationships that help keep our community safe,” said Sheriff Bob Johnson. “Building trust between law enforcement and the people we serve is one of our highest priorities.
“We’re proud to partner with the Milton Police Department, the Florida Department of Health, and CDAC Behavioral Healthcare to bring our community together for an evening of fun, education, and fellowship,” he added. “I encourage everyone to come out and join us.”
This story has been updated to correct an inaccuracy regarding what entity hosts the Escambai County event.
Benjamin Johnson is the breaking news, crime and military reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He covers local law enforcement, courts, breaking news and military within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He can be reached at bjohnson@pnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Local law enforcement looks to unite neighbors at National Night Out
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
