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Events included free food, arts and crafts, bounce houses, music and ice cream.<\/p>\n
CONNECTICUT, USA \u2014 Tuesday, August 2 is National Night Out, which is a night of neighborhood parties and community events hosted by police departments across the country.<\/p>\n
The annual event is aimed at improving relations between community members and the police. Various events have been held in different cities Connecticut<\/a>including Hartford and New Haven.<\/p>\n Events included free food, arts and crafts, bounce houses, music and ice cream. Local organizations also attended the events to share their programs with the residents. A vaccination clinic was also held.<\/p>\n RELATED: World War II mortar shells found in Connecticut town<\/strong><\/p>\n Hartford police officers met with neighbors at five locations in the city, including Main Street and Lozada Park.<\/p>\n “We work hard all year to make sure we have strong relationships built on trust between our community and our law enforcement, but this is a big night every year,” said Hartford’s mayor, Luke Bronin.<\/p>\n Subscribe to FOX61 Newsletters: <\/strong>Morning forecast, morning headlines, evening headlines<\/p>\n Teens with the Hartford Police Explorers program also participated in the event.<\/p>\n “I like the program – coming to a lot of social events like this, community events. We also do other turkey and Thanksgiving conferences. Other things that help the community and bridge the gap,” said Brandon Halliday, chief of Hartford police scouts.<\/p>\n “I definitely love coming to events like this and spending time with everyone else who is also a part of this great community and I’m also looking forward to being a police officer in the future,” said Valery Nunez, Lt. Hartford. explorers<\/p>\n RELATED: Bear breaks into West Hartford home, homeowner sees it on video<\/strong><\/p>\n The New Haven PD also hosted a National Night Out event at the Dixwell Community House. <\/p>\n “This helps bonds of trust develop and strengthen over time, to get out of the cruiser and do things other than law enforcement. That’s one of the things we pride ourselves on, that’s the head’s vision and I’m happy to see a good turnout tonight,” said assistant manager David Zannelli.<\/p>\n National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday in August.<\/p>\n Elisha Machado is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at emachado@fox61.com. follow her Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> i Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or something in mind that you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com<\/p>\n