DALLAS (KRLD) - Many cities in North Texas are inviting neighbors to meet police and firefighters Tuesday evening as part of "National Night Out." National Night Out actually takes place in August, but many cities in Texas wait until October, hoping for cooler weather.
"It's a great opportunity for the fire department to get out there and help individuals with their own fire safety," says Lt. Anthony Jacobs, the leader of Dallas Fire Rescue's Fire Education Division. "It's get to know your public servants, basically. It's an opportunity to see where we are and what we can do to help you and what communities can do to help us help you."
National Night Out was launched in 1984 to give people a chance to meet police officers. Fire departments have increasingly become involved as an opportunity to let people talk to first responders outside of an emergency.
Jacobs says departments will be meeting with crime watch groups, HOAs and community groups. People will be able to ask questions and see equipment.
"It's a great opportunity for kids, families, everyone to come out and get to know your neighbors and get to know your police and firefighters," he says. "Affectionately, fire stations are often called, 'fire houses.' Unlike many jobs out there, we are really in the community. We live there."