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On Tuesday, August 6, Mansfield University hosted National Night Out.

According to the event organization’s official website (natw.org), “National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.”

Sheriff of Tioga County, Frank Levindoski, initiated the event in Mansfield.

“It’s for the purpose of crime prevention, violence prevention and drug prevention,” said Levindoski. “It’s dear to me because it’s one way for us to get the public interacting with law enforcement and law enforcement with the public in a positive way. It doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. It doesn’t have to be someone getting pulled over or a citation. This is a good free event to get everyone together to see that law enforcement can be your friend.”

President of Mansfield University, Dr. Charles Patterson, also attended the event.

“Mansfield University prides itself on being a community-engaged university,” said Dr. Patterson. “This particular event gives the community the opportunity to interact with our law enforcement professionals in a really festive environment. Anytime we have the opportunity to do that, our doors are open.”

Pennsylvania State Representative for the 68th District, Clint Owlett, was present as well and actively involved in the activities and promoting good rapport with the officers and first responders, including taking a few rounds in the dunk-tank.

“This is just so exciting to see so many people come out,” said Owlett. “And all the law enforcement and first responders that are here this evening to really rub shoulders with the community and build that relationship…what a great opportunity to do that here tonight.”

More information about National Night Out can be found on their website here.