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The LaGrange Police Department and Troup County Sheriff’s Office are set to participate in the 37th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

National Night Out (NNO) is a nationwide community campaign to promote partnership between police officers and the communities that they serve. Each year, law enforcement agencies across the country host community events to develop positive relationships between the members of the community and police.

This year marks the fourth NNO celebration in LaGrange, but the event has been held nationally for nearly four decades. Most police agencies held their NNO in August, but many others around the south, including LaGrange, opt to host their annual event on the first Tuesday in October due to the late summer heat.

National Night Out started as a coordinated community watch events across 23 states but quickly transformed into neighborhood block parties, cookouts and large community events with public safety demonstrations.

Locally, NNO is held as sort of a public safety themed fall festival. There will be giveaways, games for kids, music, interactive activities and many fun activities for all ages to enjoy.

Members of the public are invited to attend the free and family-friendly event.

In years past, nearly every emergency services or law enforcement related agency in Troup County participates in the event. Local businesses and civic groups also come out to support law enforcement.

The LaGrange Police Department and the Troup County Sheriff’s Office partner to host the free event each year.

Events like NNO are important because they allow for positive interactions between citizens and law enforcement and other first responders, Sheriff James Woodruff said.

“It’s critical that we remain connected to the community and people can see us in a different light,” Woodruff said. “A lot of people only see us when we are answering a call for an emergency, but this way they’re able to see us in a more relaxed state, and just get to know us and we get to know them on a one-on-one basis.”

NNO is particularly helpful with helping kids to interact with law enforcement.

“We really reach out to children because a lot of times children are afraid of law enforcement. So, when we see them other times at Walmart or at other events, kids are not as scared to come up and approach us,” Woodruff said.

“It’s a big benefit that we can reach young people in the community and them not be afraid to talk to us.”

The 2022 LaGrange National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Immanuel Ministries and Worship Center parking lot at 135 Buena Vista Ave. (next to the Beechwood Center parking lot).