The National Night Out, a campaign designed to strengthen the bond between residents and law enforcement, reinvigorated a true sense of community. Last weekend, members of the Suffolk County Police Department joined hundreds of residents at events held throughout all seven of its precincts.

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Patchogue’s event was held at the Village of Patchogue Community Center at 380 Bay Avenue. It included many family-friendly activities that brought dozens of parents and children to the event. This laid-back occasion was especially beneficial for the youths in attendance, whose first impression of police will be one that is positive and lasting.

Patchogue’s Night Out was hosted by inspector John W. Sumwalt and Officer Yasmin Gallant, community liaison, each of the 5th Precinct. Among those enjoying the festivities were Suffolk County Legis. Dominick Thorne of the 7th Legislative District, who brought his wife and their two young children. The day featured a bouncy house, playground, upbeat music courtesy of D.J. Meraki, who said he was there representing the Latino community and to spin tunes from the Spanish music station at Mixx Radio online.

There were several booths set up from local businesses, organizations, and community groups. Attendees were offered refreshing ice cream and sweet treats, and there was a Starbucks kiosk for children and adults to cool off on the hot midsummer day with a frozen dessert or an iced beverage.

“It’s a great event that brings the community together with the police department. It breaks down any perceived barriers that may be there,” said Sumwalt.

Gallant brought her daughter to the community event, Sunny, 10, whose cheerful name fit the day’s idyllic weather. The young girl accompanying her mother, who is also a police officer, served as a prime example, naturally demonstrating how police are just like other members of the community who have a job to do and a family that they enjoy spending quality time with.

Caren Ray-Arnone and Michelle Rubenstein were there representing the organization Moms Demand Action.

“It was started by Shannon Watts, after Sandy Hook. She started a Facebook page, and today we have 50 chapters. We have over 10 million supporters, and we just had the first set of federal gun legislation in 26 years passed. It’s amazing,” she said, adding, “but, this is the beginning; it’s not the end. It’s not everything we wanted, but it’s a start.”

“This is an annual event that I always look forward to,” remarked Rubenstein regarding the National Night Out. “It’s collaborating with law enforcement and the community, and other volunteer organizations, because we’re all just working on the same side of trying to keep our community safe.”

Moms Demand Action is the grassroots portion of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in America. Go to momsdemandaction.org or visit the Moms Demand Action Long Island Facebook page for more information or to get involved.