Some cops will hit the streets Tuesday to connect with their beats.

“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie,” according to the NATW Inc. website.

Butler and Cranberry townships plan to participate again this year.

Butler Township has participated for the last five years, according to Township Commissioner Dave Zarnick.

“If you live in Lyndora and want to come out to Meridian and socialize with us for the evening, you're more than welcome,” Zarnick said.

Butler Township police officers and firefighters will host the public at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Butler Township Volunteer Fire Department Station, 121 Sparks Ave., Meridian. Township commissioners also will be there.

“We plan to walk a few of the streets in that neighborhood and visit with the neighbors. We're asking the residents to come out and join,” Zarnick said. “It gives them an opportunity to have a one-on-one in their setting.”

Zarnick said there will be an increased focus on recruiting volunteer firefighters. There will be tours of the fire trucks, equipment and gear they would use, if they were to join.

“We're trying to focus on recruitment and retention of our fire department this time because, as you know, fire departments are struggling right now,” Zarnick said.

Zarnick said the event is a lot of fun. He said one of the past events was on David Drive and included the use of a basketball court. He said Police Chief John Hays lost a basketball-shooting contest to a young resident.

“Each one is a little bit different,” Zarnick said. “We did not let the chief forget that.”

Cranberry Township will have a National Night Out from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of Target, Route 228, Cranberry Township, including a parade that starts at 6:30 p.m.

The parade features Cranberry and other local fire, police and EMS units.

There will be other forms of entertainment, including face-painting for kids, food, games, raffles and FBI Child ID Kits.