ROCKPORT – The Lincoln Land Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 203 and partnering organizations welcomed county residents to the 2023 National Night Out last Tuesday, offering an evening of fun and a chance to meet the area’s emergency responders. This is the third annual Night Out in Spencer County, and once the sun went down a bit it proved to be a popular attraction at Rockport City Park.
Members of local law enforcement were on hand to answer questions, demonstrate the uses of their equipment as well as hand out popcorn and other swag. Other vendors and emergency agencies were also on hand to distribute educational material and other goodies, with equipment of their own to show off.
Returning this year was an air ambulance from St. Vincent Hos- pital, which touched down on an open grassy area by the horseshoe pits. Attendees of all ages got a chance to check out the inside of one of these helicopters in a peace- ful setting, with the pilot and two nurses ready to answer questions.
Local EMS and firefighters also joined police officers in allowing visitors to check out their trucks. As ever, the firetrucks proved to be particularly popular among kids.
Those choosing to stick to the shade could find plenty of enter- tainment from the live band, Silly Rules. Free hot dogs, hamburgers, and water offered even more reason to visit and stay awhile.
The National Night Out pro- gram was established in 1984 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has since spread across the country as a means for local law enforcement and their partners in emergency services to develop positive relationships with the communities they serve.
