By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The parking lot of the Walmart Neighborhood Market located at Helena Marketplace was filled with firefighters, policemen and first responders the night of Tuesday, Aug. 6, as hundreds came out to participate in National Night Out.

The National Night Out event is an annual campaign designed to promote community partnerships between citizens and their public safety providers and promote neighborhood spirit. The community building campaign promotes neighborhood camaraderie to help make neighborhoods and communities better and safer.

For two hours on Aug. 6, Helena police, firefighters, police and fire explorers, members of the FBI, the ATF, Air Force and more were on hand to greet members of the community from Helena, provide photo opportunities and show off numerous equipment and vehicles used by various departments.

Helena was one of several cities participating nationwide on Aug. 6, as National Night Out was meant to “enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community,” according to the organization. It also provided a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

The family friendly event was free and also included food and beverages from food trucks such as Chubbfathers, Kona Ice, Chick Fil A and more.

Helena Mayor Mark Hall attended National Night Out and was happy to have the event in the city once again.

“Enjoyed visiting with all the participants including Helena Fire Department, FBI Birmingham, the ATF, the Air Force Police, Safe House Shelby County, ABC 33/40 weatherman Brian Peters and many more,” Hall wrote in a statement. “We enjoy a great partnership with all our law enforcement officers and first responders and I extended my sincere appreciation to all of them. Thanks for all you do!”

For more information on National Night Out, visit Natw.org.