The Mesquite Police Department hosted its annual Police and Fire Safety Family Night Out in the west field park by the recreation center on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The park was circled by police and fire vehicles used by first responders to keep our communities safe. Present with vehicles or information tables were the Mesquite Police, Mesquite Fire & Rescue, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Nevada Highway Patrol, Clark County and Nevada Juvenile Probation Services, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Mohave County Search & Rescue, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mercy Air, Bunkerville/Clark County Fire Department, Beaver Dam Littlefield Fire Department, Mesquite Police volunteers, Mesquite CERT team and Nevada Department of Wildlife game wardens.

The event kicked off at 6 p.m. with all the vehicles turning on their sirens and lights to the delight of the kids in attendance.

The National Anthem was sung by Alana Davis, and Interim Police Chief Tracy Fails welcomed everyone, saying, “We are here for you. We want you to meet us, see what we do and know we are your friends and here to help you. We are all part of this great community.”

There was plenty for youngsters to do, including driving four-wheelers through a course, experiencing the loss of body control by wearing goggles that made them feel intoxicated, touring the inside of first responders’ vehicles, including the helicopters, and watching demonstrations from the K-9s. Most importantly, they engaged with police and firefighters one-on- one, learning what they do and making new friends.

Attendee Mercedes Perez said, “We come every year to get the kids out for this event.”

Naomi Ozaki said, “It is good for the kids to see the police at these events and develop a relationship with them.”

The firefighter volunteers were cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. Water and food donations were made by the Elks Lodge, Mesquite Entertainment and Mesa View Regional Hospital

Captain Quinn Averett of the MPD said, “It was a night of fun, but most importantly, we had a chance to show our kids that behind the uniforms are a whole team of dedicated professionals working together every day to keep them safe.”

Police National Night Out is a nationwide event, typically held the first Tuesday in August. It was moved to October years ago due to the exceptional heat in Mesquite. The police department has been hosting the event since 2015.