Police officers connect with community on ‘National Night’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – More than 20 years ago, Springfield joined cities and towns across the country in holding a “National Night.” Since then, local police officers have been gathering for a night of fun with those they have sworn to serve and protect.

The goal is simple: Police officers and neighbors have a chance to meet and engage with each other under good conditions, and local leaders say it makes a huge difference.

The first Tuesday in August is National Night Out Day.

“This is a national event, but we’re treating it like a local event,” Gordon Pulsiver said.

“This is really badly needed,” said State Representative Bud Williams.

The event aims to create good memories with police officers from a young age.

“So we can look at police officers in a different way,” Rep. Williams added.

The goal of the program is to create safer communities by building strong, positive relationships between people and local police officers.

“It’s all about interaction with the community,” Pulsiver noted. “There’s a lot of crime on our streets and it’s important for residents to feel comfortable and for law enforcement to interact with them.”

Community leaders said it’s important that children don’t only see police when something bad happens.

“So that we can see police officers in a different light,” Rep. Williams explained. “Now you see them in a beautiful light working with the community.”

As the city of firsts grapples with violence against youth, local leaders say it’s needed more than ever.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Rep. Williams noted. “I can see the difference in some of the young people. “I look around and see some of the young people who were doing this five, 10 years ago have a better understanding of police officers and vice versa.”

Rep. Bud Williams called it a “joyous” day in Springfield. Events were held at nine different locations around the city early Tuesday evening.

If you missed out today, don’t worry; the North End of Springfield and East Springfield areas will get the same chance in the coming weeks.