PHOTOS: Townsend Police Department Celebrates National Night Out with Community Members

Two children enjoy exploring the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office antique prisoner transport van at National Night Out in Townsend on Tuesday afternoon. National Night Out brings police and communities together for relationship and trust-building via a night of fun, food and conversations. (Photo Courtesy Townsend Police Department)

TOWNSEND — Remote-control cars reached full speed, children and adults had a chance to ride a train after eating hot dogs and popcorn, and police K9s were smiling as officers and residents enjoyed a night of building relationships at National Night Out.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Townsend Police Department, supported by over a dozen community partners, hosted the celebration in the parking lot of North Middlesex Regional High School.

National Night Out is a nationwide effort to build stronger relationships between police and community members. It provides a chance to meet officers while participating in games and enjoying a bit to eat.

This year, National Night Out in Townsend included a chance to explore the UMass Memorial Hospital LifeFlight helicopter, vehicles from Townsend Police and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, and to meet the Nashua Police Bomb Squad, K9 Ruby, Hollis N.H. K9 Skippy, Lunenburg K9 Cassius and Townsend Police officers.

There were informational booths and treats from LUK, Inc., the COIN Collaborative, Northeast Houndsmen, the DOC Comfort Dog Program, and Hannaford.

Crystal Entertainment, Inc., provided music, and there was face painting by The Central Brush Art Studio, cars from R/C Excitement, Inc., music, and cows brought by the 4H Club.

Townsend Police would like to thank UMass Memorial LifeFlight, the Nashua Police Bomb Squad, R/C Excitement, Inc, Patterson Plumbing, NEMLEC, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Hollis Police Department, Lunenburg Police Department, Massachusetts Department of Correction Comfort Dog Program, Northeast Houndsmen, Gates Family Farm, 4H Club, TAYSA, Hannaford, Crystal Entertainment Services Inc., McDonald’s, LUK, Inc., COIN Collaborative and The Central Birch Art Studio.

“Our community partners really came through for us with their support this year, and we all enjoyed a wonderful night together,” said Chief James Sartell. “I want to thank the Townsend community for placing your faith in us, and I want to thank all of our community partners for their incredible generosity and support.”