National Night Out brings first responders, families together in Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - Families across the Coachella Valley are getting a chance to meet local first responders outside of an emergency situation Saturday night.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE and other local agencies are hosting National Night Out from 5 to 7 p.m. at Palm Desert Civic Center Park.

The annual event is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, fire agencies and the communities they serve.

Families can meet deputies, firefighters and other first responders while taking part in activities, giveaways and demonstrations. Police and fire equipment will also be on display.

The event comes as agencies continue working to build trust and encourage residents to feel comfortable approaching first responders with questions or concerns.

News Channel 3 will be at the event speaking with local agencies about the public safety concerns they are hearing from residents and why they say face-to-face conversations like these matter.

We will also hear from families about what they want from their local first responders and whether events like National Night Out help strengthen that relationship.

Watch the full story tonight at 10 p.m. on News Channel 3