Tonight, Butler County residents will have the opportunity to speak to law enforcement officers who patrol the streets of their communities and get to know them a little better.

National Night Out is an annual event held by police departments in communities across the nation that aims to promote partnerships between residents and police.

It also helps to create camaraderie between law enforcement officers and the people they serve.

Although the event traces its roots to the early 1970s, the first official National Night Out was held in 1984 across 400 communities in 23 states.

It grew from being an evening of vigils to neighborhood events that often include block parties, cookouts, parades and other community gatherings that feature demonstrations, seminars, informational booths and visits from emergency personnel.

National Night Out is a great event to allow law enforcement officers to strengthen the relationships they have with the communities they serve.

It also enables residents to meet and socialize with their neighborhood officers.

This can go a long way in forging community bonds. Often, when people think of police officers, they envision being pulled over and given a traffic ticket.

But officers also save lives by preventing and responding to crimes and assisting during accidents. They perform child safety seat inspections and conduct programs at civic organizations and schools. Officers often provide aid in emergencies and assist in evacuations.

In other words, their jobs often go way beyond enforcing the law.

Butler County residents should take some time to attend one of the two National Night Out events this evening.

It would be beneficial for both officers and the people they protect and serve.

Butler’s event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Butler Township Volunteer Fire Department Station (121 Sparks Ave. in Meridian), while Cranberry’s event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Route 228’s Target store. The latter event will include a parade that begins at 6:30 p.m.

The two events are expected to draw local township officials, EMS and fire units and police officers. Participants will be able to take part in face-painting, food, games and raffles as well as learn about local safety initiatives.

Dave Zarnick, Butler Township commissioner, said the event also will include an important recruitment component for volunteer firefighters as the department finds its ranks thinning.

National Night Out combines food, fun, important safety tips and, most importantly, community building.

We hope Butler County residents turn out for this great event.