The Hastings Police Department is looking back on a successful National Night Out and looking ahead to another
opportunity for the community to connect with local officers.
National Night Out in Hastings brought our community together. Deputy Chief Bryan Schowalter says attendance was strong, despite one last-minute change.
“National Night Out was a success for us… The amount of people out and playing games and enjoying themselves was great. A lot of good interaction between officers, parents, and kids.”
The event also featured a climbing wall, free food, and emergency vehicles for the kiddos to check out, along with many local organizations handing out prizes. This event offered children an opportunity to interact with local officers and enjoy the evening.
The Minnesota State Patrol helicopter that had been scheduled to appear was unable to attend because of mechanical problems. Schowalter says while it was disappointing, safety comes first.
“I’d much rather have them stay safe and ground the aircraft before they fly into one of our events.”
And the fun continued with drawings for bicycles, skateboards and a flat-top grill. Schowalter says the reactions from the winners were one of the highlights of the night.
“A lot of smiles when we give away the skateboards and the bicycles, and then of course there’s obviously at least one happy parent there because we gave out a flat stone grill as well.”
Now, the Hastings Police Department is getting ready for its next community event — Cones for Cops, happening Tuesday, August 18th, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Créme de la Créme on Second Street.
Schowalter says moving the event to the afternoon and early evening is designed to make it easier for families to attend.
“It’ll give a great opportunity for parents and kids to come out and meet a few officers and get some good ice cream while you’re at it.”
If you missed National Night Out, here’s another opportunity for community connection with our local police department.
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