National Night Out celebrates safety

National Night Out at the Montana State University-Northern Student Union Building lawn brought multiple law enforcement agencies and various organizations together to meet the community they serve and protect.

Havre Police Department, Hill County Sheriff's Office, United States Border Patrol, Hill County Search and Rescue and the Havre Fire Department all brought their vehicles and representatives to talk to people about what they do for the area and for the community.

Jody Nugent of Hill County Search and Rescue was at her booth teaching kids how to throw a rope toss, which is what they use to pull people from water into boats.

"It's strictly a volunteer organization," Nugent explained about the Search and Rescue team.

The organization helps out with many community events, like the Kellen Lund Memorial Bike Ride, the Special Olympics, the Great Northern Fair and many others.

"We do a lot of community events," Nugent said. "I think it's a good thing."

The 35-person force also helps out the sheriff's office with body retrieval, drownings and anything else they can do to help the law agencies locate people who are lost or need retrieving.

Acting Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich said National Night Out is a partnership with the community that gives people a chance to meet the men and women protecting them.

"We couldn't put this on without the community support," Matosich said.

Big Willy's provided free barbecue to the attendees of the event and raised funds for the Boys & Girls Club.

National Night Out is celebrated across the nation with events such as Tuesday's and by people keeping their lights on throughout the night to support safety in their communities.