The Hartford Police Department's National Night Out event is Wednesday, August 12 at Bernd Park, 163 N. Rural Street in the City of Hartford. It's scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"It's probably one of my favorite outreach events that we do every year," Hartford Police Chief Richard Thickens told WTKM. "I think it's awesome that the men and women that serve the community, that's the police, fire, EMS and National Guard get to interact with the community in a really positive way. Having the opportunity for the community to come out and see us, to see how we do the job and what we use to do the job is great."   

It's an evening with Hartford's hometown heros.

A few of the highlights will be a SWAT equipment display, taser and K9 demonstrations, bounce house and game trailer. It's an opportunity to see an emergency vehicle up close. Flight for Life will also be featured. 

A tasty menu will include burgers and hot dogs, free chips and water donated by Festival Foods, free frozen custard donated by Culver's, free ice cream donated by the Lions Club and free lemonade samples by Angee B'z.