HAMPDEN – On Oct. 12 at Thornton Burgess Middle School (TWB), the Hampden Police and Fire Departments hosted their 10th annual Hampden Public Safety Night Out. The evening consisted of displays from Hampden Police and Fire departments. Officers from surrounding towns such as East Longmeadow, Wilbraham and The Massachusetts State 911 Department were in attendance as well.

Throughout the evening hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza were served to all attendees while the officers helped to put on different events for the children. There was a speed test using an officer’s LIDAR gun to see how fast the participants could run, an obstacle course, face painting, classic cars on display, a bouncy house and even a surprise fireworks show to close out the evening.

Officer William Jacques was an essential officer in organizing the Safety Night Out. “Our goal for this event is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community,” he said.

The departments were able to display fire trucks, police cars and motorcycles, ambulances and as a special addition there were Lifestar helicopters.

The night not only helped to raise awareness for what Police and Fire Departments do to assist and protect the community, but in addition, booths were also set up by The American Foundation for Suicide and Autism Allies to raise awareness. Ridgeline Emergency Education Solutions brought their ambulance as well, giving tutorials to attendees on CPR and information on the Stop The Bleed movement, a nation wide effort to spread knowledge of using a tourniquet to young students.

The Hampden Public Safety Night Out was an engaging and educational evening for residents of Hampden, Wilbraham and many other surrounding towns.