Newton and countywide law enforcement and emergency service agencies hosted a National Night Out event at Aurora Park in Newton on Tuesday night. Newton Police and Fire Department personnel were there, along with members of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, and Crisis Canines of the Midlands. National Night Out is officially held on the first Tuesday of August, but Newton Police Captain Chris Wing says the event is celebrated in Newton later in the year to take advantage of cooler weather. National Night Out events are meant to foster neighborhood unity and promote partnerships between the community and local law enforcement and emergency services. Captain Wing says a lot more young adults are now showing an interest in those types of occupations.

“This year, during the summer, I had two high school interns working for us. Both want to get into law enforcement. They are both Newton graduates. Two great kids. So I look forward to having them work more for us in the future. So I am seeing a swing to the good and I hope it continues that way.”

During the two-hour event, police and fire department vehicles were on display, there were K9 demonstrations, bounce houses, games, food trucks, and ice-cream vendors.