Brown County Volunteer firefighters cool down the crowd with a fire hose, creating a rainbow.
Submitted photo | Michele Wedel
Hensley Minor has her face painted by Mattie Satter during National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Thor the Dalmatian at National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Kids play a game of tug of war, sponsored by Nashville Spice Co., during National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Anela McQueen, left, and Remy Gentry color with chalk on the Village Green sidewalks at National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A crowd gathered around the dunk tank at National Night Out on Aug. 2, cheering when hits were landed and volunteers dunked.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A crowd gathered around the dunk tank at National Night Out on Aug. 2, cheering when hits were landed and volunteers were dunked.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Visitors to National Night Out could choose from any game to play, including putt-putt on the Village Green.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Brown County Party Rental had a bounce house at National Night Out, supervised by owner Rhett Silbaugh.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A poster for National Night Out hangs in the pavilion at the Four Corners.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Brown County Party Rental had a bounce house at National Night Out, supervised by owner Rhett Silbaugh.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
A crowd gathered around the dunk tank at National Night Out on Aug. 2, cheering when hits were landed and volunteers dunked.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Indiana Conservation Officer Joe Tenbarge poses with Amerson Laird on the ICO boat as Jim Allen takes a photo at National Night Out.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Law enforcement officers were not the only emergency personnel at National Night Out on Aug. 2 — local volunteer fire departments, Indiana University Health EMS and the National Guard also participated in the night of community fun.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Nashville police officers stand in the center of Jefferson and Main streets in downtown Nashville at National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Pictured: The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, local EMS, volunteer firefighters and members of the National Guard joined in the fun at National Night Out on Aug. 2 in downtown Nashville. // See more photos at bcdemocrat.com. Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Sugar Creek Barbeque Co. sponsored food for the night, serving up free barbecue meals to guests at National Night Out last week.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Nashville Metropolitan Police Chief Heather Burris, right, hugs Nashville Town Council President Nancy Crocker at National Night Out, as volunteer firefighters cool down the crowd with a fire hose.
Submitted photo | Jessica George
Brown County volunteer firefighters cool down the crowd with a fire hose during National Night Out on Aug. 2 in downtown Nashville.
Submitted photo | Jessica George
A game of tug of war, sponsored by Nashville Spice Co., takes place during National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Abigail Youmans | The Democrat
Local law enforcement and fire department presence was heavy in downtown Nashville earlier this month as the community came together to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 2.
The event was hosted by the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department, joined by Indiana Conservation Officers, U.S. Veterans Service Help Operations Corps (VSHOC), the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and dispatch, local Brown County volunteer fire departments and EMS.
National Night Out was established in 1984 as an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
The event happens nationwide every year on Aug. 2.
This year the event closed down Main and Jefferson streets at the “Four Corners,” with games, bounce houses, a dunk tank and more at the Village Green area.
Donations of items and funds from local businesses and individuals not only made the event a success, but completely free of charge for its guests.
Just under $600 was raised in donations that night that will be added to a donation fund for Town of Nashville public safety, including the police and fire departments.
Nashville Town Council President Nancy Crocker said it was a “magical night in Nashville.”
“It really was,” she said. “This is what being a small town is all about.”
“Nancy and (the planning) committee worked hard to put it together,” NMPD Chief Heather Burris said. “Our goal is to start planning for next year now, while it’s fresh.”
Visitors to National Night Out could also eat a free meal, courtesy of Sugar Creek Barbecue Co.
Burris said the importance in having this event in the community is it allows people build a trust with the police department in an approachable and positive environment.
If the police and community are connected, Crocker said it helps the police department do its job — keeping people safe.
“You have to have a trust,” Burris said.
For kids and families to have a place to go and have fun — at no cost — makes sacrifices worth it, Burris said.
“If the community and police are connected people feel safe,” Burris said.
“It just brings the community together. … It’s a true community partnership.”
