By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–A great opportunity for a meet and greet with the first responders who help keep the city of Helena safe will take place the first week of August.

The Helena police and fire departments will be hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helena Marketplace located along Shelby County 17 in Helena.

The National Night Out Program is 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.

The event will be family friendly and will give the public an opportunity to meet their local police officers and firefighters and see the emergency vehicles and equipment used daily in the city of Helena.

Helena will be one of several cities participating nationwide on Aug. 7 as National Night Out is meant to “enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community,” according to the organization. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

In years past, there were light refreshments provided, safety seminars from the Helena Police and Fire Explorers and plenty of opportunities for parents to take pictures of their children with emergency vehicles and equipment.

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