Community members and local first responders participate in National Night Out
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(ABC 6 NEWS) – Tuesday, neighborhoods in Rochester participated in National Night Out. The event promotes first responders and community members to connect in a fun relaxed situation. There were over 50 events hosted by community member and all of them inviting local first responders to meet up with them to talk and have a great time.
In the Scenic Oaks neighborhood in southwest Rochester families gathered in their neighborhood park with tons of activities for the kids and of course, meet their local heroes.
"I think it’s really great for our kids to see the first responders and for everyone to work to be together as a community and the kids love it. And they love to see the police officers that stop by and our fire department. They enjoy seeing those individuals," said event organizer Bre Vogt.
Rochester Fire Captain Brett Knapp added, "You know you can see the kids get pretty excited when the truck rolls up, and so it’s kinda fun. We’ve missed that a lot the last couple years."
It’s also important that first responders interact with community members in a less stressful environment and have real conversation. Captain Knapp adding, "We look forward to these types of events and these types of nights where can get out with people in just a more relaxed atmosphere. And talk to people and just get to know people. And let them know what we do for them and how we’re here for them on a daily basis."
Some events have an even extra special meaning. River Bend Senior Living hosted a National Night Out event that also helped raise money for the local Alzheimer’s association.
"We just need the donations to help people find a cure for Alzheimer’s and to slow the process, and communities like ours are here to help and guide them to keep them safe, but we just need the donations to help them out too," said marketing director Kim Holst.
National Night Out is important for so many different people in Rochester from the kids, to the first responders and to the seniors.