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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer 

CALERA – The Calera community is preparing to host its first responders as they join other municipalities across the United States in recognizing the 40th annual National Night Out. Being held at Oliver Park, this will be Calera’s third time holding their own iteration of the event.

The gathering, which will take place on Tuesday, October 10, from 5-8 p.m., is an annual community building event that seeks to raise awareness and educate the public about the city’s first responders and also promotes crime prevention.

“National Night Out is our opportunity to promote police and community partnerships that make the city of Calera a great place to live,” Sgt. Robbie Grant said. “The event gives our community, especially our children, an opportunity to meet law enforcement and first responders under positive circumstances and better understand what we all do.”

As planned, the event will allow the public viewing access to a multitude of public safety vehicles and equipment that they otherwise might not have opportunities to experience and learn about. There will also be a variety of sponsors and food trucks present.

The event is completely free to attend, with the exception of the products offered by attending food trucks which are currently scheduled to include Wasabi Juans, Calera Pizza Hut, Moe and Moore’s BBQ, Sunshine Lemonade and Gumbo to Geaux. There will also be free Red Diamond Tea provided at the event.

The following local, state and federal partners will also be in attendance:

• The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The Drug Enforcement Agency
• The U.S. Marshall Service
• Fish and Game
• RPS Ambulance
• Regional Air Medical Services
• K-9 groups
• The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency ATV DUI simulator
• The Calera Fire Department
• Calera’s own Crisis Response Team
• Calera’s Dive Team
• Safehouse Shelby
• Kirkland Wrecker
• The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office

Those wishing to learn more about Calera’s National Night Out event are encouraged to reach out to the Calera Police Department.