By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Hoover residents joined the city’s police and fire departments for National Night Out on Aug. 4. Hosted at SuperTarget at the Grove Shopping Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event showcased the Hoover Police and Fire departments and the services they offer.

National Night Out is an annual event hosted by law enforcement agencies across the country. According to the National Night Out website, it seeks to enhance public safety by strengthening the relationship between police and the communities they serve.

“It’s a night for the community, the police and the fire department to get together,” Hoover Police Capt. Gregg Rector said.

The public interacted with the Hoover Police Department’s various units, including the K9 Unit, SWAT team, Explosive Ordinance Disposal team and Motorcycle Unit. Officers in the Motorcycle Unit demonstrated their skills, navigating an obstacle course on their police-issue Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles.

The Police Department Mobile Command Center, the department’s seized Porsche 911 and helicopters from the Hoover-Jefferson County Air Support Unit were on display through the event.

The Hoover Fire Department was also in attendance to teach the public about fire safety and show off some of their equipment.

“The only time people see us is when they needs us,” Hoover Fire Department Executive Officer Rusty Lowe said. “This gives us an opportunity to interact with the public in a non-stressful situation.”

The city of Hoover and Target provided free food, and kids enjoyed inflatables, games and a dunking booth. The Hoover Police Department also offered free fingerprinting services for children.

The Aug. 4 event was Hoover’s sixth edition of National Night Out.

“It’s really just grown tremendously over the past few years,” Rector said. “Even 90 degree temperatures in the past have not kept the crowds away.”

Rector said the popularity of the event is indicative of the strong relationship the Hoover Police Department enjoys with the community.

“We already have an outstanding relationship with the public, that’s something we’ve prided ourselves on forever,” Rector said. “We’re just so proud of it because we have so many people in Hoover who want to come out and interact with their public servants.”