Local first responders stand for the National Anthem at a National Night Out event hosted by the Rusk Police Department. The event took place on Tuesday, October 1 in the streets of downtown. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

RUSK — The Rusk Police Department held its third National Night Out on Tuesday.

The event has grown since its inaugural year in 2017 when the department won the Rookie of the Year award for the nationally recognized event. More than 1,000 participants came out for the community event last year and an even bigger turnout was expected this year.

The Police Department, Fire Department and other first responders were on hand for the free event. Activities included hamburgers and hot dogs, games, bounce houses, raffles and local vendors along with performances by the Rusk High School Band and cheerleaders.

“It’s a wonderful event that brings citizens and police officers together so a cooperative dialogue begins — as well as getting neighbor to meet neighbor,” Rusk Police Chief Joe Williams said.

“This is just one of many community outreach things we do each year.”

He continued, “In my experience doing this for 25 years, I’ve never seen 20% of a population show up to an NNO event. It’s Rusk’s biggest event of the year.”

The National Association of Town Watch’s website describes National Night Out as “an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that helps make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community”. The event is celebrated on the first Tuesday in October in Texas.