Bridgeport Police Department is gearing up for the 9^th Annual National Night Out, to be held Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Bridgeport Pool and Benedum Civic Center grounds.

 

Intended to familiarize the community with members of law enforcement and emergency services, the event has proven to be quite popular in years past.

 

Deputy Police Chief Randy Hartley said this year should be no different. Back by popular demand will be vendors including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Chick-fil-A, all offering free specialty food items. Also taking part will be Sweet Frog and Della’s Deli, serving up complimentary frozen yogurt and hot dogs, respectively. The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport and Bridgeport Conference Center are also taking an active role, Hartley said.

 

Providing live music will be the Greg Harrison Band. Attendees can enjoy the tunes poolside or while browsing vendor tents. A number of organizations will be giving away trinkets and information with regard to wellness and safety. Always a hit, there will also be face painting. 

 

The event takes place from 6-9 p.m. and is totally free to the public, including swimming, food, drinks, giveaways and prize drawings. As always, there will be a number of nice prizes – including TVs, electronics and the latest and greatest video games, summertime pool passes and Bridgeport High School athletic event passes.

 

National Night Out draws as many as 1500 individuals annually and that would not be possible without a true group effort, Hartley said.

 

“Various city departments, including parks and recreation, go out of their way to help pull this all off,” Hartley said. “The FBI has also gone out of their way to help with the canine demonstrations.”

 

The canine demos will take place in the Bridgeport Pool parking lot.

 

Along with Bridgeport Police Department, Bridgeport Fire and Emergency Services will be represented, as well as volunteer organizations that fall under EMS jurisdiction. Various police and fire vehicles will be on display.

 

“It’s a huge night for the police department,” Hartley said. “It’s a chance to meet and greet the residents in the city we serve. A lot of times, we don’t get a chance to talk with folks. This provides the perfect way – and a fun atmosphere – to do that.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos taken during National Night Out 2014 are by Tyler Maxwell of Ben Queen Photography. See more of Maxwell's images HERE.