National Night Out treats public to a show

Monday was a lot less stressful for many emergency officials who put on their uniforms and hit the town.

Firefighters, EMTs, police officers and jail guards suited up for the 30th annual National Night Out, held for the seventh time in Austin at Community Park and a day earlier than the rest of the nation to avoid conflicting with the Mower County Fair.

“We’ve done it every year,” said Zach Anderley, who took his children to get up close with an ambulance, police car, fire truck and more.

Anderley wasn’t the only one who loves the event. More parents, like Joelle and Ryan Mayers, take their children every year, too.

“Honestly, the kids just really love the vehicles, seeing the police and fire crew up close,” Ryan said.

“Our kids are obsessed with the fire engine,” Joelle joked. 

Along with free fire hats, hot dogs and chances to see some cool emergency equipment, families met with local heroes.

For emergency officials, it was once again a nice change of pace from their normal duties.

“We’re all patrol officers, and typically that’s what we’re doing,” said James Lunt of the Austin Police Department and Special Incident Response Team.

“We enjoy working with the public,” added Chad Norman, also of APD. “It’s a nice place for the kids to get to know us, be able to hang out and talk.”