National Night Out offers everyday people the opportunity to talk with police and other emergency responders during an evening designed to promote crime prevention. This year, the La Vergne Police Department is hosting the event on Tuesday, August 6 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.
Along with the traditional watermelon seed spitting contest, softball game and tug o’war between the police and fire departments, additional events are being added including the opportunity to see what it’s like to drive drunk. Through special goggles provided by the LPD and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, people ages 15 and up can look through special lenses to allow a realistic simulation of impairment.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is bringing the rollover simulator, and also on display will be the “No Zone” truck which shows teens and other drivers how vehicles “disappear” in blind spots. A 27-foot slide (for ages 10 and up) and other jump houses, a SWAT team demo, and information about the neighborhood watch programs will be available. In addition, Vince and Larry (the crash test dummies), McGruff, and the Litter Bug will be on-hand for photos.
During the evening, guests will enjoy snow cones and other food, free of charge.
“We want National Night Out to be informative and fun for our residents,” said Community Liaison Officer Sheree Robertson. “This is a great way to gather information about staying safe in your neighborhood, getting to know the officers of the La Vergne Police Department, and experiencing how dangerous it is to drink and drive. We hope that people of all ages will come out on August 6 for this event.”
“Our National Night Out event is a wonderful time for some family fun and interaction with police, firefighters, and other City of LaVergne employees and officials. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the evening with us, and watch the LPD beat the LFD in softball again this year!”, said La Vergne Chief of Police Mike Walker
To allow maximum participation in National Night Out, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen have scheduled its monthly meeting for Thursday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m.
