EAST LONGMEADOW – National Night Out (NNO) is in its 35th year of existence, and is known as a “community–police– awareness–raising event,” in the United States, according to natw.org. East Longmeadow, however, chooses to take a slightly different approach to NNO by involving all community departments as well as businesses to bring the town together.

“We tweaked it and made it more of a community night where people can come out and meet local law enforcement, air their views and concerns, but we also brought in businesses and the community, it’s not just residential people,” East Longmeadow Police Chief Jeffrey Dalessio told Reminder Publications. “The fire Department is involved, the DPW [Department of Public Works], a lot of banks are involved, some churches and religious groups.”

Dalessio explained that in the past, the Police Department has had bounce houses, a canine demonstration as well as skydivers at the event. This year however, the State Police helicopter will be arriving for all to see.

“We try to mix it up to keep interest going,” he said.

The Fire Department will have demonstrations with their brand-new ladder truck, along with an extraction demo. The Health Department will have a learning experience for parents regarding hidden signs in a child’s bedroom for parents to look for that could be signs of harmful activity going on in the child’s life. The Medical Reserve Corps will have an information booth and volunteer recruitment. In addition, the DPW will be bringing their trucks to display. One of the trucks they are hoping to fill with donated non-perishable items and canned goods to go toward the East Longmeadow Food Pantry.

NNO will take place at the East Longmeadow High School at 180 Maple St. on Aug. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Though the event is free to all in attendance, attendees are encouraged to bring a non–perishable good for the can drive.

“We encourage people to come out and meet their local law enforcement and other community partners that make this town a place to live,” Dalessio said.