Goodyear Police to host National Night Out

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The Goodyear Police Department is inviting residents to attend National Night Out  bringing together the community at Goodyear Recreation Campus. 

National Night Out is an annual event is part of a nationwide campaign to promote police-community partnerships and raise awareness about crime prevention and public safety. Communities across the country host events that encourage residents to engage with local law enforcement in a positive, family-friendly setting.

“This event is really to bring the community together,” Public Information Sgt. Sean Tyler said during a previous National Night Out. “We’re introducing people to the officers who work in their areas and the equipment they work with. It’s a great opportunity to interact with the community we serve.”

This year’s event will feature:

• Public safety demonstrations
• Hands-on displays from Goodyear police units including traffic control, special assignments and forensic services
• Information booths from community partners
• Interactive activities for all ages
• Local food vendors and food trucks
• A petting zoo 
• Raffles and giveaways sponsored by local businesses

Uniformed officers will be on site to answer questions, assist with demonstrations and interact with attendees. Sgt. Andrew White, who works in the department’s criminal investigations division, ran a program last year and said the event helps humanize law enforcement.

“We want people to know that we’re human beings like anybody else,” White said. “We want the community to feel comfortable approaching us, asking questions and understanding the real work we do—not just what you see on TV.”

White said forensic and victim services booths will offer crafts, brochures and officers available to speak with the public about their roles.

Goodyear resident Makenzie Mark, who attended last year’s event with her family, said the atmosphere helped her young son feel more at ease around law enforcement.

“Seeing people in uniform in a fun setting creates less fear, especially for the kiddos,” Mark said. “It nurtures trust and might even inspire future careers.”

According to the department, Goodyear police remain committed to a community policing model, which prioritizes transparency, public engagement and safety education.

“We love what we do. We truly do this because we wanted to benefit society in the way that we could,” White said.

Goodyear's National Night Out is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on  Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Goodyear Recreation Campus,  420 S. Estrella Parkway.

For updates, visit the Goodyear Police Department’s social media.