Making connections

COLUMBIA BASIN — For some people, the only time they interact with the local police is when they’re asked for their license and registration. Several law enforcement agencies are out to change that next week at National Night Out, when law enforcement and other first responders take the opportunity to mingle with the public they serve at an outdoor celebration. 

“It’s a great way for us to reconnect with the community on a good, safe front,” said Quincy Police Sgt. Joe Westby. “They can come visit us and engage with us and have conversations in a fun, family-friendly environment.” 

The Quincy Police Department will hold its event Monday, and Moses Lake Police will hold theirs Tuesday. The Mattawa Police National Night Out will be Aug. 9. The Othello Police Department has participated in the past as well but could not be reached by press. 

National Night Out was established in 1984 by Matt Peskin, a community watch volunteer in Pennsylvania, to foster connections between law enforcement and the public. Today, an estimated 38 million people in roughly 17,000 communities across the United States participate in the event, which is generally held in early August. 

Moses Lake’s event will include games, snow cones and a dunk tank, said Moses Lake Police Sgt. Jeff Sursely, as well as informational booths from Renew and other local agencies. Quincy Police will offer free hot dogs, chips and ice cream. 

Both events will have vehicles and representatives from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol. There will be all kinds of equipment and vehicles for the kids to check out, including fire trucks, ambulances and police cars.  

“I tried to get the helicopter there, but I struck out this year,” Westby said. “Hopefully we’ll get them next year.” 

About 1,000 people showed up last year for Moses Lake’s National Night Out, Sursely said. Westby said Quincy has had between 500 and 1,000 people in years past. 

“I would say come out and meet your local law enforcement,” Sursely said. “Most importantly, get (to) understand the resources that are available in your community. Because you never know when you’re going to need them."

Moses Lake will have another opportunity to connect with law enforcement Sept. 26, Sursely added, at the annual Battle of the Badge softball game between MLPD and the GCSO. 

“We look forward to connecting people and making new friendships with our community,” Westby said. “Together we are making our community safer and a more caring place to live.” 

Where and when 

Quincy  
Lauzier Park
1300 13th Ave. SW
Aug. 5 - 5 p.m. 

Moses Lake
McCosh Park
410 W. Fourth Ave.
Aug. 6 - 6 p.m. 

Mattawa
Hund Memorial Park
101 Government Road
Aug. 9 - 4 p.m.  

    A Moses Lake firefighter prepares a hose for children to spray at a target for a game during last year’s National Night Out event. Moses Lake holds this year’s event Tuesday.
  

    A curious child tries on a Stryker driver’s helmet at Mattawa’s National Night Out in 2023. This year’s event in Mattawa is Aug. 9.