Police department’s National Night Out planned for Aug. 2

The Hoover Police Department will host its annual National Night Out, bringing together community members, local law enforcement and public safety agencies to promote a safer community.

The free event in the SuperTarget parking lot at Grove Shopping Center will be Aug. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will feature displays by the Hoover Police Department and Hoover Fire Department, exhibits by local businesses, a car show, inflatables and giveaways.

Attendees also will receive complimentary food and beverages.

National Night Out is a nationwide program designed to improve crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector said his department looks forward to the annual opportunity to interact with the public.

“The attendance is unbelievable, and it gives us the chance to showcase and display equipment we use in our job,” he said. 

Some of the police equipment displayed at last year’s event included a helicopter and a mobile command center. The Fire Department usually displays some of its heavy equipment, including fire and ladder trucks.

“It’s a great night for our citizens to see what our public safety, police and fire departments do on a daily basis, plus some of the impressive equipment they use,” said Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey.

SuperTarget is a national sponsor of National Night Out. The shopping center is near the intersection of Interstate 459 and John Hawkins Parkway. For more information, go to hooveral.org/index.aspx?NID=370. To learn more about the National Night Out program, go to natw.org.