The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office threw a party for a few hundred friends during the National Night Out event last week.
“It is a time for us as law enforcement to give back to the community and show our appreciation for all the folks we serve,” Sheriff Dan Smith said at the event held at Alice T. DeHart Memorial Park in Stuart on August 1.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
It is designed to enhance the “relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”
Those attending the local event were treated to food and fellowship with members of law enforcement and other community members. Activities were part of the fun, and local public service organizations were set up to answer questions and give out information.
The event came to a rousing close with music by Olivia Jo, a local bluegrass singer who was nominated last month for the Momentum Instrumentalist Of The Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
“This is the 16th time we’ve done this,” Smith said of the event. “It’s a special time for me personally because I love folks in this county and it’s an honor to serve them, and it’s a time for me to show that and our people to show that.
“We’re indebted to the citizens we serve,” Smith said and reiterated the event was about giving back to the community.
