National Night Out is a national program that encourages community interaction between local law enforcement personnel and the public. The Stevensville Police Department held their National Night Out event last Tuesday, August 2, at Lewis Clark Park.
Organizer Kristin Kruse, a police clerk with the Stevensville Police Department, said it was about getting to know your neighbors and meeting and interacting with different law enforcement agencies. She also wanted to do something special for the kids in the community.
“It was a free event, kid-focused, and just a fun night out,” said Kruse. She said about 200 people showed up for the event. Activities included two different water balloon toss competitions, a free raffle with tons of prizes for kids, free face painting, free food, and goodie bags for the kids. The hot dogs were donated by Super 1 Foods and water was donated by Clearwater Systems.
“Just watching the kids pick what they might want to win [in the raffle] was all so sweet,” said Kruise. “One little girl was even praying for what she wanted.”
Agencies that participated included the Ravalli County Sheriff Office which sent two canine units, Deputy Rob McGavran and his dog “Rico,” and Deputy Colt Hudson with his dog “Bob.”
“That was a real hit,” said Kruse. “They drug-searched a car and spent a good chunk of time talking to community members and kids.”
Also participating were Ravalli County Search and Rescue with a vehicle, three troopers from the Montana Highway Patrol, Stevensville Fire Department with two trucks and an ambulance, and a game warden.
Representing the Stevensville Police Department was School Resource Officer Todd Schafer, Officer Colten Worten and Chief Mac Sosa.
SRO Schafer spent much of his time getting dunked in the dunk tank, “taking it for the whole team,” said Kruse.
Kruse was very pleased with the turnout as well as the community support. She hopes to make this an annual event in Stevensville and said she would like to add a platform for community members to raise any concerns and set some safety-related goals. She would also like to have a specific topic and time for questions and answers.