ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Elk Grove neighborhoods took part in National Night Out on Aug. 6, joining a nationwide event to bring police officers and firefighters closer to the people they serve.

Local celebrations had a picniclike atmosphere, with food and games for attendees. Personnel from Elk Grove Police Department and Cosumnes Fire Department visited the parties throughout the night, chatting with community members.

Elk Grove Police Chief Bobby Davis spoke to the Citizen at a gathering in the Lakeside neighborhood in Laguna. He said he had just come from the Del Webb community for older adults. He had multiple other stops planned across the city.

“Our Del Webb community comes out in force every single year,” Davis said. “And one of the beautiful things about going and speaking to that community is that they have life experience. And they talk to us about the reason that they came to Elk Grove; they came here because it feels safe.”

Davis said he appreciates the community involvement and chance to connect with residents.

“How are we able to connect with our communities? How are we able to ensure that our communities are comfortable with what we’re doing and how we do it?” Davis said. “This is part of that; it’s getting out and talking to people, shaking hands and sharing food and coming together over conversations that have to do with easy topics and hard topics.”

Davis said the communication allows the police department to get a better sense of how Elk Grove is changing and how the department can serve the city.

“It’s really important to me that our community knows that we’re here for them and if we have shortcomings or we’re missing something, that they can tell us,” Davis said.

Elected officials, including Elk Grove City Council members and Cosumnes Community Services District board members, also made National Night Out visits.

Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, who said Lakeside was her fifth stop of the night, said the neighborhood had “definitely outdone itself” with an extensive taco bar.

“Every place has their own theme and food. … Some are dessert stations. I’ve seen one that the ethnic food was all diverse, multicultural, reflective of our city. So you can’t go wrong, anywhere you go, you’ll definitely find something delicious,” Singh-Allen said.

In addition, the mayor said National Night Out humanizes first responders.

“You want to make sure that the community has an opportunity to meet them first-hand. They’re people like everyone else. They work really hard and tirelessly keeping us all safe,” Singh-Allen said. “And it’s just a great way, I think, for the community to not only thank them and show respect but also just to interact with them and see that they’re just regular, everyday people.”