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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

Bright lights glowed overhead on Thursday night as children darted from booth to booth and stared in awe at armored vehicles and interacted with officers during Alabaster’s National Night Out.

While serving as an annual staple and family-friendly festival, every National Night Out brings with it an opportunity for residents to put a face to a badge and to get to know the heroes who are out there putting themselves in harm’s way each and every day.

Sometimes it is possible for a person to never meet their local first responders until they find themselves in an emergency crisis. Building that familiarity and bond can go a long way in helping to proactively form connections and trust that may serve during an emergency.

Although it may seem like just a simple excuse for kids to climb in police vehicles and firetrucks—which they certainly take full advantage of and love—it also serves that dual purpose in familiarizing them with law enforcement and their tools should any unfortunate circumstance occur in which officers are needed.

Additionally, the event provides officers with a stress-free situation to interact with the community and to fellowship with each other. In larger departments with alternating shifts, it can sometimes be difficult for first responders to get a lot of time to bond with all of their fellow officers over the job or other shared interests.

The design of National Night Out also allows for different departments to set up booths and distribute information to spread awareness of their role in the community. Residents may be able to spot a group that provides services that they never even knew about and might come in handy one day.

Taking all of these valuable opportunities and tying them together into large, free and fun celebration for local families is great idea and one that I hope continues for years to come.