Four-year-old Violet Miller plays with Lima Fire Safety Dog on Tuesday in Lima.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — The beginning of a new month called for a celebration in Allen County. Townships and cities alike met community members for a night of fun. Allen County, Shawnee Township, the Village of Elida and the City of Lima hosted National Night Out, an evening event where paramedics and city officials met the people they serve.
National Night Out is not limited to the surrounding area but is a night recognized across the states.
The events were filled with free food, laughter, music and community. Lima decided to change from its normal location which had been in downtownLima, to Faurot Park.
“It’s about building those relationships and being a part of the community,” Lima Fire Department Chief Andy Heffner said. “It is fellowship where you can get out, meet your neighbor and shake hands. In a way we have become disjointed. Every neighbor used to talk with their neighbors when I was a child; with the transient lives we live now, we don’t.”
Lima Police Department Chief Angel Cortes also weighed in and said National Night Out was a way to bring the community together and break down the barriers.
The Shawnee National Night Out hosted a 5K race for Russ Holly. Holly was a Shawnee Township Trustee who died earlier this year. He also was a cross-country and track Coach.
Elida Police Department Chief Dale Metzger said Elida brought in around 100 vendors due to the many community members who attended the event last year. Metzger shared a similar message of gathering the community.
“For the community to get involved, it’s way to get out and get them to get amongst themselves and they can approach us, talk to us, let us know if there’s been concerns or problems or issues that we may not be aware of,” Metzger said. “It is also for them to get to know us and realize that we are approachable — we are willing to talk to anybody and everybody.” The National Night Out in Elida not only contained the Elida Police Department but the American Township and Marion Police Department as well.
Metzger also said it is required for the night to be free to community members.
“There is no entry fee, no fee to pick anything from the booths,” Metzger said. “We always have something they are passing out just for people to realize what they are doing and what they can do to help out the community; also to network and let them know what resources are out there.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
