Quincy celebrates EMS National Night Out

QUINCY -- Today the Quincy Police Force is hosting an event for National Night Out, a nationally celebrated night dedicated to public safety awareness and crime prevention.

Invited guests include crew members from Northwest MedStar, who often drive the helicopters that carry medical patients to hospitals. Today the pilots will fly in with a different purpose. The EMS National Night Out in Quincy is an opportunity for public safety workers and members of the community to meet and greet each other, take photos and ask questions.

Other groups expected to be present include the Quincy Police and Fire Departments with refreshments and BBQ, the local Animal Shelter, the city recreation department with a dunk tank where you can dunk some officers, and the High School Youth Action group with games for kids. In the past ConAgra Foods have cooked their french fries, and other groups like domestic violence shelters have been present, as well. This is the third year of the event, and 10 or 11 groups are expected to show, said Quincy Recreational Director Russ Harrington. "The helicopter's a big draw, and it's right along main street this year!" said Harrington.

The event will be held 5 to 8 p.m. at Simmons Park, during which the helicopter and flight crew may be called away for service. Several more National Night Events will be held tomorrow throughout the region.

- Staff report