Communities across Jefferson County will have the chance to meet police officers throughout the month of October. National Night Out events are scheduled in Arnold, Byrnes Mill, Hillsboro and Pevely.
National Night Out, which is an annual campaign to promote police-community partnerships, is traditionally held on either the first Tuesday in August or first Tuesday in October, according to the National Night Out website, natw.org.
Arnold
Chief Brian Carroll announced Arnold Police will hold its first National Night Out event this year.
The event will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot outside of the Police Station and City Hall, 2101 Jeffco Blvd.
“The idea came to us through our City Administrator Anthony Traxler, who spoke about the benefits of the event during his interview with the city,” Carroll said. “As soon as he mentioned it, I thought this is exactly the kind of thing our department should be doing.”
Arnold Police will give tours of the Police Station and City Hall, hold drone and police vehicle demonstrations, and there will be meet and greets with officers and their canine partners.
The department also will provide hot dogs, chips and drinks, and it will give away items throughout the event.
There is no admission fee.
“Our goal for year one is simple, we want to get officers and residents in the same place talking to each other,” he said. “We want people to leave knowing an officer’s name and face. From there, we intend to build the event year over year as participation grows.”
Byrnes Mill
Chief Frank T. Selvaggio said Byrnes Mill Police will hold its National Night Out from 4-7 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Spring Hills Church, 6247 Upper Byrnes Mill Road.
Selvaggio said food and drink, kids’ games, face painting, a bounce house and a petting zoo will be on-site for attendees to enjoy.
He also said the community will be able to meet with other area first responders from High Ridge Fire Department, Big River Ambulance District, North Jefferson County Ambulance District, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Cedar Hill Fire Department.
Northwest Towing Service also will be in attendance.
Selvaggio said local nonprofits such as Open Door Animal Sanctuary and God’s Grace Animal Rescue will have animals for adoption.
Compass Health Network also will be on-site, he added.
Selvaggio also said there will be raffle baskets to bid on, with proceeds going to support the Byrnes Mill Shop with a Hero program.
Hillsboro
The Hillsboro Police Department will host its National Night Out from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday at Hillsboro City Hall, 101 Main St.
Food trucks, station tours, games, a bounce house and more will be at the event, officials said.
Pevely
The Pevely Police Department will host its National Night Out from 5-9 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Pevely City Park, 60 Main St.
City officials said the event will include food and refreshments, music, games and raffle baskets.
They also said the evening will feature a car show hosted by the STL Stangs.
There is a $20 entry fee. No pre-registration is required.
The awards will be announced at 9 p.m. and include categories such as best work in progress, coolest wheels and chief’s choice.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Shop with a Cop program.