Broken Arrow Police, Residents Gather For National Night Out Event

Tuesday night was National Night Out, which aims to bring police and their communities together.

It's a little different this year because of COVID-19, but that didn't stop some neighbors in Broken Arrow from coming out for a sense of normalcy.

Only four neighborhoods in Broken Arrow hosted a Night Out event, but they made the most of it during COVID-19.

Police officers and firefighters were out at neighborhoods to gather with kids and the community. They showed off their gear and equipment and answered questions.

National Night Out is aimed at getting neighbors out of their homes to meet each other and first responders in their community.

The Olive and Kenosha neighborhood organizer said she wanted to give people a chance to come out and enjoy the evening if they felt comfortable.

Police said it's also a good reminder for residents that officers have the community's back during a very difficult year.

"It's a great community event to realize cops are here for us, they are our friends," said Nicole Jimenez. "And to bring our community together, we need that especially now."

"It gets them to know your neighbors," said Officer Chris Walker. "That's usually the best crime prevention is having your neighbors know each other, and second, it gets them to know us."

Police said they usually they have about 15 neighborhoods participating. They hope next year things will be back to normal.