St. Joseph to Host National Night Out Celebration Featuring First Responders, Family Activities and Community Fun

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Residents are invited to connect with local first responders, enjoy free food and entertainment, and participate in family-friendly activities during St. Joseph's annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Civic Center Park, located on the south side of St. Joseph City Hall. Designed to strengthen relationships between the community and public safety agencies, National Night Out offers an evening of fun while giving residents the opportunity to meet the people who serve and protect the area.

One of the evening's biggest attractions will be a dunk tank featuring St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster, where attendees can test their aim for a chance to send the chief into the water.

"It's an opportunity for the community to come together and get to know the officers and public servants on kind of a personal level," St. Joseph Police Sgt. James Edwards said.

Activities for the Whole Family

Organizers have planned a variety of attractions for all ages throughout the evening. Visitors can meet Billy the Goat, the St. Joseph Goats mascot, along with several team players. Children and families can also enjoy inflatable attractions, including bounce houses and interactive games such as inflatable axe throwing.

Food and refreshments will be available free of charge thanks to contributions from Target and Walmart, which are providing hot dogs, chips, drinks, popsicles and ice cream for attendees.

Meet Local First Responders

National Night Out brings together numerous emergency response agencies from across the region, allowing residents to interact with personnel outside of emergency situations.

Participating agencies include:

• St. Joseph Police Department

• St. Joseph Fire Department

• Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

• Buchanan County Drug Strike Force

• Buchanan County EMS

• Andrew County Sheriff's Office

• Missouri Western State University Police

Several community organizations and businesses will also be on hand, including the American Red Cross, Missouri American Water, ADT, AT&T, and the St. Joseph Youth Alliance.

"Touch a Truck" Experience

A popular feature returning this year is the Touch a Truck display, where visitors can explore emergency vehicles up close and learn more about the equipment first responders use every day.

Vehicles expected to be on display include:

• St. Joseph Police Department patrol vehicle

• St. Joseph Fire Department fire truck

• Buchanan County EMS ambulance

• Buchanan County Sheriff's Office emergency vehicle

• Andrew County Sheriff's Office emergency vehicle

• Missouri Western State University Police vehicle

• SRT BearCat armored tactical vehicle

Guests will have the opportunity to climb inside many of the vehicles, ask questions and speak directly with first responders about their roles in protecting the community.

Building Stronger Community Connections

National Night Out is held each year on the first Tuesday in August in communities across the United States. The nationwide initiative began in 1984 to encourage stronger partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the neighborhoods they serve while promoting crime prevention and community engagement.

St. Joseph has participated in the event for several years, using it as an opportunity to build trust, foster relationships and create positive interactions between residents and the agencies dedicated to keeping the community safe.

Organizers encourage everyone to attend, meet their local first responders and enjoy an evening of free food, family activities and community fellowship.