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Belhaven Police Department Lt. Michael Hudnell offers a coloring page and crayons to a child during National Nite Out in downtown Belhaven on Tuesday evening, Oct. 3. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

From Left to Right: Sergeant Kayla House, and Lieutenant Michael Hudnell with Police Chief Christopher Kelly. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

From Left to Right: Chief Deputy Tim Hickman, Assistant Director of Communications Erin Woolard, Deputy Macy Radcliffe, Director of Communications Victoria van Nortwick, Detention Center Captain Melissa Satchell, Sheriff Scott Hammonds. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

Events like National Night Out are important, because they help “build trust” between the community and law enforcement agencies as well as show community members that officers and deputies are just like them and want to work together, according to Kelly and Hammonds. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

National Nite Out was held at the Market on Main Street in Belhaven. Kids enjoyed face painting, a bouncy house, games and music. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

National Nite Out was held at the Market on Main Street in Belhaven. Kids enjoyed face painting, a bouncy house, games and music. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

National Nite Out was held at the Market on Main Street in Belhaven. Kids enjoyed face painting, a bouncy house, games and music. (Holly Jackson/WDN)

“It’s important for us to come out and give kids and the community a chance to see that we’re normal people like them, and that we’re here to work together,” Belhaven Police Chief Christopher Kelly said Tuesday evening (Oct. 3) during National Night Out in downtown Belhaven. The police department and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department invited the community to celebrate National Night Out at the Market on Main Street. 

Sheriff Scott Hammonds said events like this one help “build trust” between communities and law enforcement agencies. 

Belhaven Mayor Ricky Credle said National Night Out is an important event, because not only does it bring law enforcement and community members together, but it also provides a way for local organizations to spread awareness about their mission and the resources they offer. 

“It’s very crucial that the community and the police have a good relationship and the community resources as well so people know where to go when they need help,” Credle said. 

At the event there were several organizations offering information and resources to attendees. Those organizations were; Beaufort County Animal Shelter, Beaufort County Crime Stoppers, Agape Health, Beaufort County Health Department, Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children and others. Kids enjoyed face painting, games, a bounce house and music provided by Mayor Ricky Credle. 

National Night Out is typically held the first Tuesday in August; however, the promise of cooler temperatures persuaded event organizers to plan for October. 

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