[VIDEO] National Night Out Celebrated in Berrien County

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Residents of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor get together with local law enforcement for an evening of food and fun. The thirty-third Annual National Night Out was held Tuesday, and law enforcement agencies from all over Berrien County celebrated with residents in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. St. Joseph has been observing National Night Out for at least thirty years, according to Rick Knapp of the St. Joseph Township Police Department.

“You can see it’s grown over the years, and continues to grow,” Knapp said. “I see a lot more younger children coming down to meet and greet with local police, fire and EMS, so it’s a wonderful event for the community.”

In Benton Harbor, it was the second year the National Night Out was observed. Dan McGinnis, Director of the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, says that it’s important for residents and law enforcement to interact outside of bad situations.

“We feel very strongly about having relationships with our children,” McGinnis told WSJM News. “We think, ultimately, this will make our community better if we have good relationships with the police department.”

Thousands turned out over both events, and officers are hoping to see it continue to grow in the future.