Everyone in the crowd at Riverside Park stood with their right hand over their heart as Sara Achorn, the current Miss New Bedford, sang the national anthem and the South Coast Young Marines presented the color guard at the National Night Out on August 7. The annual event, presented by Neighborhoods United, aims to connect law enforcement officers and other first responders with the communities they serve.

This year, the event honored and celebrated the memory of Sgt. Sean Gannon of Yarmouth and Sgt. Michael Chesna of Weymouth, both of whom were killed in the line of duty this year.

"Collectively, our eyes have been opened wide to the dangers that the men and women in blue face daily,” said Dartmouth Police Chief Brian P. Levesque. “With that in mind, we come together tonight to celebrate unity.”

Jerry Pinto, the head of Neighborhoods United, also emphasised unity, saying “My biggest goal is to break that wall down between kids, law enforcement, and adults. We’re all on the same page-- equals.”

"It's a huge event for the department," said Kyle Costa. "Not only does it allow us to connect with other departments, it gives people a chance to put faces to the names."

There were also many community organizations present with games and activities for kids, and a free dinner for everyone who attended.