National Night Out is a chance to break down barriers

To a lot of people, law enforcement officers are to be feared. They are the Big Brother of our society that curtails our freedoms.

That, of course, is not true. They are the ones who protect our freedoms.

The upcoming National Night Out, to be held at Herman Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., is a chance for people to get to know the softer side of those men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us and our way of life.

Organizers of the annual event, which is part of a nationwide campaign to create a bond between lawmen and the community, hope to have a big crowd show up. There will be games, food and entertainment, along with the chance to get to know the people who wear a badge.

There will be displays of law enforcement equipment and vehicles. And there also will be organizations present such as the Red Cross, the Partnership for Children and the county Social Services office, who will demonstrate what they have to offer the public.

We hope you take the time to come out and join in the fun, especially if you have children. The earlier a person gets to know a police officer or sheriff's deputy as the friend they really are, the better off our community will be.

Published in Editorials on July 22, 2017 6:36 PM