SJPD hosts National Night Out

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The community is invited to Civic Center Park on Tuesday, Aug. 5, for this year’s National Night Out, an annual event promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free for the community to attend.

Residents will have the opportunity to interact with officers and representatives from the St. Joseph Police and Fire departments, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, Buchanan County EMS, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, Andrew County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Savannah Police Department and the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy.

SJPD will showcase drones, SWAT robots, ballistic shields, rams and the Special Response Team’s armored vehicle. Other agencies will also bring emergency vehicles and equipment for the public to explore in a touch-a-truck-style setup.

A highlight of the evening will be two live performances by local teen band Arsonists Band Official, scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 7 to 8 p.m. 

Target will provide free hot dogs, chips and drinks. Sack’s Ice Cream Truck will be on site, with the first $500 of ice cream covered by City Star Gas Station. Walmart is sponsoring two bounce houses for children, and Club Fun will provide cornhole boards for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to emergency personnel, several community organizations will participate, including the Youth Alliance, St. Joseph Safety and Health Council, American Red Cross, Missouri American Water, St. Joseph Goats Arena Football and local neighborhood watch groups.

National Night Out is held in communities across the country and is intended to strengthen ties between law enforcement and residents while promoting crime prevention and neighborhood safety.

For more information, contact Sgt. Jeremy Peters at 816-236-1473 or jpeters@stjosephmo.gov.

News-Press NOW will update this story.