National Night Out on Aug. 6 is a chance for police departments to get to know their communities, with events being held locally in Franklin Park and McCandless. Residents can enjoy family-friendly activities and the opportunity for one-on-one time with local law enforcement. "National Night Out is a unique and significant event that fosters stronger relationships between first responders and the community,” Aron Leach, Franklin Park police chief, said. "It provides a platform for residents to interact with first responders and borough employees in a positive, informal setting, which helps to build trust and mutual respect. This event also promotes community unity and safety awareness, encouraging neighbors to look out for one another and collaborate with local first responders.” Franklin Park’s event, also named First Responders Night Out, will be held from 6 to 8 at the municipal building on West Ingomar Road. The event was organized by the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Department, borough road department and other borough staff, according to Leach. Several organizations will be represented, including McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, and there will be a variety of touch-a-truck opportunities. McCandless police will host their fourth National Night Out the same day, from 5 to 8 p.m., on the grounds of Town Hall, off Grubbs Road, outside of the police department. "NNO is a night that citizens across America can send a powerful message about neighborhood unity, awareness, safety and police-community partnerships. It’s an opportunity for the community to get to know all the agencies that help protect us,” said McCandless police Chief Ryan Hawk. "We have a great night planned with many activities for kids, including free giveaways and raffles. There will be police, fire, ambulance, the American Red Cross and a guest appearance by LifeFlight,” he said. McCandless K9 Officer Siraly and handler Officer Shawn Davis also will be present. "This is a really nice way to have local residents and emergency personnel get to know each other better. It’s about building relationships and having fun at the same time. Kids love getting to see the squad cars and fire trucks, and first responders look forward to being able to showcase what they do to help the community,” said John Bojarski, spokesperson for McCandless. McCandless’ National Night Out includes a North Hills Community Outreach school supplies collection. Suggested items can be found at www.nhco.org. Free hot dogs will be available, and menu items can be purchased from food trucks. Several raffles will be available, including a chance to win a bicycle from ProBike Run. Other community groups attending include Northland Public Library, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the National Kidney Foundation, and the McCandless Environmental Advisory Committee, according to Bojarski. Leach said events like the ones planned for Aug. 6 lead to better relationships with its community. "It’s a night where we celebrate our partnerships, share important safety information, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes Franklin Park Borough a wonderful place to live,” he said. Both events are free to attend. Those who cannot are encouraged to keep their outdoor lights on to curb crime in their neighborhoods, Hawk said. National Night Out started in 1981 as a community-building event that promotes police-community relationships and is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday in August, according to natw.org. Natalie Beneviat is a Trib Total Media contributing writer. Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free. Get Ad-Free > Sign Up for NotificationsStay up-to-date on important news from TribLIVE