The public met first responders at the annual National Night Out event, held Tuesday, Aug. 5 in downtown Eufaula.

There were police, firefighters, sheriff ’s deputies, department of wildlife officers; medical personnel and more who demonstrated some of the skills and equipment used to protect the public.

Kids got to hold a firehose; they sat in a helicopter; watched as a K9 officer sniffed out hidden drugs and attacked a pretend suspect.

It was a hot night, so a waterslide was a popular site for some of the kids.

Karen Weldin handed out free pizza slices and more provided by Cucina Italiana al Lago; Fire Chief Greg Carmack and Tourism & Economic Development Director Andrea Oldham passed out free hot dogs.

“It’s basically a block party,” said Shari Wilkins, who, along with her husband John Wilkins, started the local Na-tional Night Out event three years ago, joining thousands of other communities across the country doing the same thing.

National Night Out began in Pennsylvania in 1984 to increase awareness about police and other first responders. It’s held the first Tuesday in August.

John and Shari, owners of Lake Dog and their people, were honored at a ceremony held at the Aug. 4 city council meeting when Mayor James Hickman proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, National Night Out Day.

Police Chief David Bryning said the National Night Out program has been great for his department.

“Great for the exposure,” he said. “Kids like it and talk about it. They especially enjoy seeing the K9s work.

The latest crimefighting equipment was on display, including drones and a newly outfitted K9 vehicle that has computerized equipment that controls the temperature inside the car.

Also on display was the department’s rescue boat, donated by No. 9 Marina.

This was a collaborative effort by the City of Eufaula, the Eufaula Police Department and Lake Dog K9 Charitable Foundation.