Cops, firefighters and other emergency responders mingled with parents, kids and local residents Tuesday night as part of National Night Out.
In Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, burgers and hot dogs were grilled and ice slushies served in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community,” said Police Chief Robert White.
Tuesday’s events, part of a nationwide campaign, come at a time when police are collectively trying to bridge a gap in community trust after several controversial and highly publicized officer involved shootings, as well as assassinations of police officers, such as the Dallas shooting in early July that killed five officers.
“In light of the last couple of years, it’s that much more significant,” White said of the National Night Out events. “It’s one of the few opportunities police get to interact and not respond to something that is dangerous.”
Plenty of rank-and-file officers were on hand Tuesday night in Denver, and throughout the state, to meet and greet the communities they are sworn to “serve and protect.”
It’s an opportunity, White said, for officers to demonstrate and establish that they too are community members: husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.
Rachel Griffin, a 15-year Capitol Hill resident, attended the event with her two young daughters. A board member of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN), Griffin said the annual event is worthwhile.
“It opens up a dialogue with police and emergency service personnel,” Griffin said.
Doug Goldman, also a CHUN member, described night out as a link between residents and police.
Denver Police District 6 Commander Ron Saunier, whose district includes Capitol Hill, said the mixer positively runs in both directions.
“The street officers come on down and get to know some people,” Saunier said. “The community sees a face behind the badge, it’s important.”
