When we think of community, we think of home, we think of neighbors, we think of family. And security.

We don't necessarily think of police officers when we think of community, but maybe we should.

"The goal is to engage with our community and to have a family-filled night," said Ryan Blessing, who's been a West Earl Township police officer for five years. "It promotes police-community partnerships. A strong relationship with the community allows residents to have trust in the police department and shows them that we are always going to be there for them when they need us the most."

The West Earl Township Police Department's upcoming National Night Out will serve as a reminder of the role that law enforcement plays in the community. The local version of a national program designed to build trust between police forces and residents will be conducted from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Broad Street Park, 801 Broad St., Akron.

The event is free, and everyone is encouraged to attend.

The West Earl Township Police Department serves and protects West Earl Township, Akron Borough, East Earl Township and New Holland.

"National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement and provides a great opportunity to bring everyone together under positive circumstances with the goal of keeping our communities safe," said West Earl Township police chief Eric Higgins. "We look forward to the opportunity to engage with the community and getting to know each other."

National Night Out is also a lot of fun. The event will offer delightful dishes from 11 food trucks, free snacks, a hydration station, pony rides, balloon art, games, prizes, a candy scramble and a car show. Also featured will be police K-9 demonstrations, a department patrol car, fire apparatus, and first responder and EMS demonstrations, all of which are designed to be informational, educational and entertaining.

About 2,500 guests are expected to attend. The West Earl Township Police Department has been planning the specifics and details of National Night Out since April.

"I enjoy seeing the community come out to support their police agency," said Blessing. "You see all types of people. Seeing them have fun with their children is my favorite part."

The West Earl Township Police Department hosted its initial National Night Out event in 2020. The law-enforcement agency also conducts other community events, like "Coffee With a Cop" and "Popsicle With a Cop."

The West Earl Township Police Department is headquarterd at 157 W. Metzler Road, Ephrata.

For additional information, go to https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/lancaster/west-earl-twp-police.