Oh what a night...out

NORWALK — The city's first annual National Night Out was a resounding success. The event Tuesday evening drew an estimated one thousand people to attend, according to Norwalk Police Chief Scott Dahlgren. The event was billed by the city as being "all about fostering community spirit, strengthening police-community partnerships, and making our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live". Families in attendance appeared to be enjoying the event with lines snaking through the parking lot with people waiting in lines to get a haircut, nails painted and of course, to eat at the food trucks. "I got to drive a fire truck, and then an ambulance, it was a really busy day," said Tyler Johnson, 4. While Tyler was saving the city, his cousin Josh Wiley was getting his hair cut by "Bad Habits Barbershop," who donated free boys haircuts in the police garage. "I gotta get this haircut done and get out there and see that Army excavator," Josh said. It is unknown as of press time if he was indeed able to "see that Army excavator." Activities people enjoyed at Norwalk's National Night Out included: • Police vehicle and fire truck tours • Military vehicles and farm equipment displays • A dunk tank • Kids games, activities, giveaways and prizes • BOLD Beauty Bar & Extensions gave out hair sparkles • Bad Habits Barber Shop and Esthetics offered free boys' haircuts • Sheri's Coffee House treated first responders to free drinks all day Dahlgren emphasized the idea that communities and public servants should have a time and place to get to know each other and for children "to learn we are here to help them" and the program is one way to foster that sense of safety and community. "This is a great opportunity for the community to mingle with police and firefighters," Dahlgren said. "It's a great way to get the whole community having fun here."