Tewksbury's Inaugural Public Safety Night To Be Held Aug. 21

TEWKSBURY, MA —Multiple local public safety agencies have announced details about Tewksbury's inaugural Public Safety Night later this month.

The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Tewksbury Memorial High School, 320 Pleasant Street. The Tewksbury Police Department, Tewksbury Fire Department and the Northern Regional Middlesex Communication Center (NRMCC) are collaborating to host the event, which was formerly known as National Night Out.

Public Safety Night will feature a cookout and give attendees a chance to meet public safety members. Food and drinks will be available throughout the afternoon.

At the event, attendees will have a chance to explore law enforcement vehicles like police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, ATVs and SWAT vehicles, in addition to getting a look at the Tewksbury Police Drone Unit. The Tewksbury Police K-9 Unit also will hold a demonstration at 4:30 p.m.

A dunk tank will give residents a chance to dunk a first responder.

"We are excited to host this event for our residents in town and come together as a community for a fun afternoon," Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus said. "As a public safety department, it is important to make those connections within your community and get to know the people you are helping. This event is a great opportunity to do that."

In addition to showing off a fire truck, the Tewksbury Fire Department will give children attending the event an opportunity to spray a fire hose. The department also will hold a fire extinguisher demonstration and have a hydrant sprinkler for kids.

"The Tewksbury Fire Department looks forward to partnering with the Tewksbury Police Department and NMRECC in hosting a public safety afternoon. We especially look forward to interacting and communicating with the residents of Tewksbury," Tewksbury Fire Chief Joseph Kearns said. "This is a great opportunity for all the public safety personnel to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the community."

Additionally, the NMRECC said it will be offering safety handouts and prizes at the event, and it will have coloring books and crayons for children.

"It's very important for our public safety telecommunicators to meet members of our community and provide some information about 9-1-1 people may not be aware of," said Kevin Lessard, the NMRECC's executive director.