PWC and Haymarket residents invited to meet public safety officials at National Nights Out on Aug. 5

The annual Haymarket Night Out gives residents a chance to gather up some safety tips and get to know their police and fire officials a little better.

This year’s event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 in the parking lot of Haymarket town hall, located at 15000 Washington St. Donna K. Knupp, assistant to Haymarket Police Chief James Roop, said there will be entertainment for the younger crowd, including a bounce house for the kiddies and music from AKA, a local teen band.

There will be free pizza from Papa John’s Pizza as well as “goodies” and trinkets for the kids.

Representatives from various police safety organizations will be on hand, including the Haymarket police department, the Red Cross, Prince William County Animal Control, fire and rescue, Virginia State Police, and ADT home security. “Gabby,” a Haymarket PD bloodhound, will also visit.

The event is affiliated with the National Town Watch program. It offers a chance for the public “to meet and greet our safety representatives and get information on crime prevention and safety,” Knupp explained.

The Prince William County Police Department has a unique take on National Night Out. Representatives from the department travel by caravan to visit neighborhood watch groups in their communities that are holding Night Out gatherings.

County police officers typically make about 10 stops to neighborhood watch gatherings throughout the county over the course of the night from about 5 to 9:30 p.m., explained 1st Sgt. Ruben Castilla.

Senior staff members of the police department, motorcycle officers, and crime prevention officers typically participate. They blast their sirens as they roll through neighborhoods.

A costumed McGruff crime-fighting dog also takes part.

The night is mixes social gatherings with the serious purpose of supporting neighborhood anti-crime efforts.