Norfolk Officials Get To Know Community During National Night Out

NORFOLK, NE - Dozens of cities across the country spent their Tuesday night getting to know their local rescue officials.

After ongoing Nationwide tension between law enforcement and citizens, National Night Out is a step in the right direction to resolving that disconnect.

Norfolk Police Division’s Operations Bureau Commander, Chad Reiman helped organize the event and says that this type of setting is relaxing which further helps to build the relationship between rescue officials and citizens.

"Generally, law enforcement officers don't have the opportunity to speak with their citizens in a relaxed, friendly environment. A lot of times when citizens have contact with officers, it's because something bad has happened so this gives us an opportunity to speak with citizens and for citizens to speak with us. People can learn about what we do and how we do it...it's just a good place for us to interact."

The free event in Central Park included lots of food and games for all ages that incorporated some learning.

To build a better relationship, trust is required… and encounters like these aid in building trust between the community and their first responders.

Jay Kauth with Norfolk Fire Reserve says, "trust goes a long way. Some people earn that trust, but it's just what they've got to do to bring them closer together so when they [children] recognize us out and about, they're able to do this. We're just normal everyday people, we're doing what we do, and we're helping them out and they should expect the same thing from the people out there too." 

Officer Reiman says that law enforcement needs the community… so coming together with citizens and cooperating with them is necessary.

Some children may have never had encounters with law enforcement, and having this as their first up-close interaction helps to make them more comfortable and trusting in the future

"It's that comfortableness with law enforcement," he says. "Kids see police officers but it's always kind of from a distance, they never have the chance to truly interact with law enforcement officers, so this gives them a chance to get up close, ask questions, visit, and there's a lot for them to do, so it makes it fun and exciting for them."