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Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out event Tuesday evening“EPHRATA — Despite cool temperatures and off-and-on rain, community members gathered at Lions Park Tuesday evening as the Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out, an event aimed at building relationships between residents and local first responders.”
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The National Night Out event took place at Lions Park“EPHRATA — Despite cool temperatures and off-and-on rain, community members gathered at Lions Park Tuesday evening as the Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out, an event aimed at building relationships between residents and local first responders.”
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The event drew community members despite cool temperatures“EPHRATA — Despite cool temperatures and off-and-on rain, community members gathered at Lions Park Tuesday evening as the Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out, an event aimed at building relationships between residents and local first responders.”
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The event occurred with intermittent rain“Despite cool temperatures and off-and-on rain, community members gathered at Lions Park Tuesday evening as the Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out, an event aimed at building relationships between residents and local first responders.”
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Chief Erik Koch noted the turnout was 'pleasantly surprising'“I’m quite surprised with the turnout,”
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The event's goal was to foster casual interactions between residents and first responders“Community is exactly what this is about,”
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The gathering included booths“Families filled the park throughout the evening, visiting booths, playing games, eating hot dogs and spending time with police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel in a relaxed setting outside of emergency calls and daily police work.”
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The gathering included games“The event featured cornhole, a scavenger hunt, prize drawings, a patrol vehicle display and a visit from the Ephrata Fire Department.”
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The gathering included food“Families filled the park throughout the evening, visiting booths, playing games, eating hot dogs and spending time with police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel in a relaxed setting outside of emergency calls and daily police work.”
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The gathering included displays from police“The event featured cornhole, a scavenger hunt, prize drawings, a patrol vehicle display and a visit from the Ephrata Fire Department.”
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The gathering included displays from fire“The event featured cornhole, a scavenger hunt, prize drawings, a patrol vehicle display and a visit from the Ephrata Fire Department.”
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The gathering included displays from emergency services“The event featured cornhole, a scavenger hunt, prize drawings, a patrol vehicle display and a visit from the Ephrata Fire Department.”
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Chief Erik Koch served hot dogs“Koch spent much of the event helping serve hot dogs and estimated that nearly 100 had been cooked as attendance continued to grow.”
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Chief Erik Koch estimated nearly 100 hot dogs were cooked“Koch spent much of the event helping serve hot dogs and estimated that nearly 100 had been cooked as attendance continued to grow.”
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The attendance grew during the event“Koch spent much of the event helping serve hot dogs and estimated that nearly 100 had been cooked as attendance continued to grow.”
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The department kept the event 'simple'“The department intentionally kept its first National Night Out simple in order to gauge community interest and determine how the event could evolve in future years.”
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The department aimed to gauge community interest“The department intentionally kept its first National Night Out simple in order to gauge community interest and determine how the event could evolve in future years.”
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The department planned to expand the event in the future“The chief said the department intentionally kept its first National Night Out simple in order to gauge community interest and determine how the event could evolve in future years. "This was kind of dipping our toe in," Koch said. "We didn't want to necessarily go too overboard. We just wanted to keep it basic and simple and see how it went, and then that gives us room to grow."”
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Officer Rickey Barbet highlighted the value of connecting with residents outside of emergency situations“"I think it’s going great," Barbet said. "Everyone came out to come see it. Fire, EMS, police, we’re all here. We’re having a good time and making ourselves known to the community." Originally from Federal Way, Barbet said community events like National Night Out were uncommon where he grew up and that he appreciated the small-town atmosphere Ephrata offers. "It’s kind of the hometown experience," he said. "I love it." Barbet encouraged residents to attend future events to learn more about the people who serve the community. "You get to meet the people behind the badges, behind the big fire suits," Barbet said. "You get to see what the community has to offer besides just the stuff that we get called to." As the evening wound down, Koch thanked residents for braving the less-than-ideal weather and supporting the department’s inaugural effort.”