National Night Out was once again hosted at Acton’s Public Safety Facility (PSF) on Main Street. On the first Tuesday in August, across the nation, local public safety departments engage in a community-building campaign to build awareness of their work and strengthen relationships with residents. The Acton event was very well attended this year with dozens of families enjoying the “touch-a-truck” element in the parking lots outside.
In addition to Acton Police Department (APD) vehicles, the Fire Department and Highway Department had trucks on site. Eager kids climbed into vehicle cabs, honked horns, turned on sirens, and tried out the radios, hoping to encourage someone to “pull over right now.”
Inside the facility, staff led attendees on tours, visiting the muster room, where officers gather for briefings before their shifts, and the communications center, where the dispatchers do their critical work answering calls.
Officer Dapkas, one of Acton’s School Resource Officers, set up a face-painting table, and had a long line of patient customers throughout the event. She used stencils and bright colors to transform their visages into various animals!
Officer Max Bressi, from the Boxborough Police Department, visited with K-9 Koda, a one and a half year old Labrador Retriever certified in tracking, area searches, and evidence recovery.
The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and local businesses Colonial Chevrolet, Engage Wellness, and Bright Path participated in the event and passed out swag. The Acton Lions Club served up freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, along with cookies, cupcakes and beverages.
Before the night was over, the state police Air Wing did a few flyovers, treating participants to an airborne siren during the final pass.
Alissa Nicol is a member of the Acton Select Board and writes about community events for the Acton Exchange.
