Sheriff Sean Casey, standing center, gathers with local residents Aug. 5 during National Night Out at Pat Miller Square in Del Ray.
Neighborhoods across the city gathered Aug. 5 to celebrate National Night Out with festivities ranging from cookouts to children’s games as part of the annual campaign to promote neighborhood camaraderie and enhance the relationship between residents and law enforcement.
Traditionally held on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out was first celebrated in 1984 with 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states taking part. The initial years were marked by the simple gesture of sitting on a front porch with lights on.
The annual event has grown beyond front porch vigils with more than 35 million residents across the country participating in block parties, festivals, parades and cookouts.
Sheriff Sean Casey, Police Chief Tarrick McGuire, Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez and other emergency personnel visited neighborhoods across the city.
The National Night Out tradition has taken place in Alexandria for many years with new neighborhoods added each year.
Members of City Council also made the rounds including Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, an avid cyclist, who led police officers in a ride around the Carlyle neighborhood.
Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley leads police officers on a ride through the Carlyle neighborhood during National Night Out on Aug. 5.