DYSART – Law enforcement officers, by the nature of their jobs, often meet people in less than ideal circumstances, but National Night Out – an annual event held in cities across the country on the first Tuesday in August – aims to foster police-community partnerships by bringing them together in a more positive light. And while Dysart’s inaugural National Night Out is taking place this year on Aug. 20, a full two weeks after the national event, its importance is hardly diminished.

“Next year, we’re going to do it on [the first Tuesday],” Dysart Police Officer Jeremy Stenda told the newspaper earlier this week when asked about the difference in dates. “But by the time I registered on the national [web]site, we had less than two months to plan for it. I didn’t think that was enough time to get sponsors.”

As soon as he did fill out the registration form, however, he got right to work. And his first call was to Nicole Taylor, newly-elected president of Dysart Development Corporation.

“Nicole’s been helping me a ton,” Stenda said. “She called me like two minutes [after I emailed] and said, yes, this is great. Let’s do this. Honestly, she’s been a tremendous help to get it all done.”

Dysart National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 6-8 p.m. in and around City Park and will feature completely free, family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include an appearance by the Waterloo Bucks’ mascot Bucky, balloon creations from Living Characters, face painting, fun activities with Norma Anders Public Library, a bounce house, dance-worthy music, the Pink Heals Eastern Iowa fire truck and squad car, the opportunity to explore a variety of working trucks from a tractor to a school bus, and much more.

There will also be free hotdogs, chips, and drinks courtesy of the Dysart Lions Club.

A contingent of local first responders are set to be in attendance as well, including Dysart Police Chief Joe Hols and Tama County Sheriff Deputy Casey Schmidt.

“A variety of local businesses and organizations are planning to attend,” Stenda said. “Casey Schmidt is going to do a K-9 demonstration. [Tama County] Emergency Management is going to bring the drone up. Jeremy Creamens with [Tama County 911 Communications] has talked about bringing up a 911 simulator. Some deputies will be there. Chief Joe will be there. We’ll have fire and EMS there. Tama County Public Health will also be there.”

When asked to comment on the importance of National Night Out – and, by extension, this year’s Dysart Night Out – Stenda said the campaign is just one more way to keep communities positively engaged with their local law enforcement.

“Personally, I think it’s important because it’s showing that we’re finding innovative ways to interact with our community members in a positive light. I believe that there’s only so much that we, as law enforcement, can do. When we’re doing things like this, we’re doing everything on our end [to stay engaged with the community] and if people don’t want to get involved, that’s on them.”

“It’s a way to bring our local businesses, public safety, fire, everyone together to interact in a positive way as opposed to me showing up at your house.”

For more information on Dysart National Night Out, refer to the website DiscoverDysart.org, or follow the Dysart Iowa Police Department’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DysartPoliceDepartment.