In focus: National Night Out provides opportunity to interact with law enforcement in Centralia

Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza leans on a police boat during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. A highlight of “National Night Out” is offering kids and families the chance to check out different kinds of patrol vehicles and talk to police from the Centralia Police Department, the Chehalis Police Department, the Napavine Police Department, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The free, family-friendly event also featured a bounce house, a dunk tank, a hot dog dinner, music by Live 95, giveaways and balloons.

Interim Centralia Police Chief Andy Caldwell climbs up a ladder after being dropped into a dunk tank during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. A highlight of “National Night Out” is offering kids and families the chance to check out different kinds of patrol vehicles and talk to police from the Centralia Police Department, the Chehalis Police Department, the Napavine Police Department, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The free, family-friendly event also featured a bounce house, a dunk tank, a hot dog dinner, music by Live 95, giveaways and balloons.

Paisley Blair screams while sliding down a bounce house during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. A highlight of “National Night Out” is offering kids and families the chance to check out different kinds of patrol vehicles and talk to police from the Centralia Police Department, the Chehalis Police Department, the Napavine Police Department, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The free, family-friendly event also featured a bounce house, a dunk tank, a hot dog dinner, music by Live 95, giveaways and balloons.

Attendees enjoy free food, drinks, and games during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. A highlight of “National Night Out” is offering kids and families the chance to check out different kinds of patrol vehicles and talk to police from the Centralia Police Department, the Chehalis Police Department, the Napavine Police Department, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The free, family-friendly event also featured a bounce house, a dunk tank, a hot dog dinner, music by Live 95, giveaways and balloons.

Ava Burleson is traced by her mother with chalk during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. A highlight of “National Night Out” is offering kids and families the chance to check out different kinds of patrol vehicles and talk to police from the Centralia Police Department, the Chehalis Police Department, the Napavine Police Department, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The free, family-friendly event also featured a bounce house, a dunk tank, a hot dog dinner, music by Live 95, giveaways and balloons.

Lucas McCleskey smiles from the driver's seat of a fire engine during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Brady Huber enjoys a lollipop while sitting in the driver's seat of a 1970’s military police vehicle during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

A sign advertises a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Tiyari Esparza smiles inside of an armored police vehicle during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Centralia Salvation Army Captains Gin and Steven Pack serve free food during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Brother and sister J.R. and Jade James pose for a photo in front of a police vehicle during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

A group of family and friends pose for a photo during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Hundreds of people gather in George Washington Park in Centralia for a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Maddie Shock helps her daughter Winnie blow a bubble during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Dustin Miloff of the WSP hands out stickers during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Young attendees take turns attempting to dunk a police officer during a National Night Out event held by local law enforcement agencies at George Washington Park in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.