Although Brody Hunter sat confidently in the driver’s seat of a Newton Fire truck, he won’t be answering emergency calls anytime soon. After all, he’s only 3.
He and his brother Gavin, 5, were among the many eager children who tried out different emergency vehicles during the Newton Police’s National Night Out event on August 4 at Captain John Ryan Park, adjacent to Police Headquarters in West Newton.
Brody Hunter, 3, had fun trying out the Newton Fire truck during National Night Out at Captain John Ryan Park in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Charlee, 5, got to try out a Newton Police motorcycle during National Night Out at in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Cooper, 3, tried out the Newton Police’s “Gator,” a 4-wheel-drive vehicle during National Night Out. Standing behind him is his grandfather, Capt. George Meade. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Anna Schlegel, 5, enjoyed being driven by Officer Greg Helms in a mini car during National Night Out in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
“National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie,” according to the organization’s website. As Fig City News previously reported, the City held its first National Night Out in 2019.
“It’s really fun for the kids,” said Brody and Gavin’s mother, Katie Hunter, who was a first-time attendee.
Officer Robert March offered a bracelet to Baxter Baldwin, 5, as his mom Abbie Baldwin looked on during National Night Out in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Brothers Lucas, 8, and Wesley, 5, showed off the skull designs they requested during National Night Out in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Right, Boston College Officer Nicolson Desjardins gave Mika, 3½, a sticker while the child’s mom Verena held him during National Night Out in West Newton. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
In addition to exploring police, fire, and other emergency vehicles, kids could have fun in a bouncy house, have their faces painted, enjoy freshly spun cotton candy, pick up assorted goodies, and listen to live music by the Jam Sandwich band.
Two other first-time attendees – newly minted Newton Officers Savio Ribeiro and Jamal Campbell – helped give out free mini police cars, bracelets, and other swag to visitors.
“It’s awesome that the community comes out and socializes with us,” said Campbell.
Interacting with the public, especially children, “is very important,” said Ribeiro, who was only on his third shift with the department.
More veteran members of the force — Captains Kenny Dangelo and Damien Doucette – distributed free pizza slices from Paddy’s Public House.
“I think it’s a good crowd,” said Dangelo.
Attendees not only chewed on pizza, they also enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, and free treats from Blue Ribbon BBQ, Wegmans, and Cabot’s.
Noting that police usually engage with the public during difficult times, Doucette said, “It’s always nice to interact with people on a positive note.”
Allison Radzewicz, who brought her border collies – Sawyer, 8, and Janeway, 20 weeks – had come to the event in previous years and was happy to be there again.
“I like to support [the police], and it’s a nice place to see your neighbors,” she said.
