Thousands of Morgan Hill residents braved the early evening heat Aug. 6 to attend National Night Out, an annual public safety event that aims to promote positive connections between law enforcement agencies and the community.
Morgan Hill Police Department staff handed out free ice cream while officers and firefighters helped kids and families climb aboard patrol vehicles, fire trucks and police motorcycles. The MHPD K9 patiently posed for photos and accepted hugs from young attendees.
Local music and dance groups provided entertainment during the event, which took place at the Morgan Hill Civic Center Plaza on Peak Avenue. Dozens of local nonprofits, youth sports organizations and city departments hosted booths to offer information and free giveaways.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Morgan Hill Fire Department and Cal Fire participated in the local National Night Out events.
Morgan Hill Police Chief Shane Palsgrove, in remarks to the crowd, commended the community for a lower overall crime rate in Morgan Hill last year as compared to the previous two years.
“National Night Out is a national campaign where the police and community come together to strengthen our relationships and work together to solve problems so we can all live in a safer community,” Palsgrove said.
