GREENFIELD — An event connecting Hancock County residents with those who keep them safe is back for its third year.
Hancock County Community Night is a free event and a good time that introduces the community to all of the public safety resources available to them, according to Ted York, a K-9 handler with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and one of Community Night’s organizers.
“I just like when people show up, come out, meet us and get to see the type of people we are when we don’t have to show up for a call on the worst day of their lives,” York said.
The event starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, and runs until about 8 or 9 p.m. An opening ceremony kicks things off at 4:30 with an aerial fire truck raising the American flag, a member of the Hancock County Children’s Choir singing the national anthem and messages from local dignitaries.
Law enforcement and fire departments won’t be the only agencies there. About 40 organizations will be on hand to talk to visitors about what they do while giving out free items.
Attendees can get a card marked for every table that they visit. After they make enough stops, they can turn in the card to enter the running for raffle prizes.
Community Night also features several demonstrations, including K-9, SWAT, extrication and rope rescue along with ATV, boat and energy safety.
There will be kids’ activities, including bounce houses, an obstacle course, smoke house and safety trailer.
Parents will be able to walk through a trailer simulating a bedroom to learn where kids hide drugs in plain sight.
Car seat safety checks also will be available.
Attendees can wear a special pair of goggles and drive a cart to simulate drunk driving as well.
Giveaways will include backpacks, school supplies and fresh produce. Smithfield and BBQ’N Fools will serve free food.
Brian Lott, fire marshal for the Greenfield Fire Territory, said last year’s Community Night drew about 2,500 people and that organizers are expecting that many or more this year.
“It’s good for the public to know what happens in law enforcement and fire service,” he said.
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WHAT: Hancock County Community Night
WHEN: 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 30
WHERE: Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St., Greenfield
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