Connecting Communities: Franklin, Greenwood set for Night Out events

Residents and families are invited to connect with police and other emergency responders at two upcoming events to celebrate public safety and communities.

The public is invited to meet police officers, see the K-9s, and watch special police demonstrations at the Franklin and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office joint National Night Out event Tuesday.

The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. in Province Park, along South Street next to the city pool.

A hot dog supper will be served, and children will be able to interact with officers and see special equipment, a scuba team demonstration, the horse patrol and police officers on bike. The departments’ police dogs will be doing demonstrations from 6 to 8 p.m. in the dog park, and the city pool will be open for free swimming from 7 to 9 p.m.

This year, police officers will be wearing shorts and T-shirts with department badges, rather than their full uniforms. Both Franklin police and sheriff’s deputies will also make identification cards for children.

Children can explore police cars and get to know officers.

The event is meant to connect police with residents and will include displays and information for domestic violence education and prevention, and child advocacy, among others.

Families are invited to a night dedicated to fun — and safety — during New Whiteland’s national night out Saturday.

This year’s festivities will begin with a parade at noon, followed by activities from 1 to 6 p.m. at East Park.

The fun includes a dunk tank featuring New Whiteland police officers and elected officials, vehicle and equipment displays and demonstrations, face painting, TJ & Hooch deejay, food trucks and vendors and fire station tours.

The Indiana Blood Mobile will be on site along with the JumpStart from Southside Harley-Davidson.

The White River Township Fire Education Trailer and the Johnson County Emergency Management Mobile Command Vehicle will be at the event.

Kids can visit with Rowdie from the Indianapolis Indians and see the Pacers Fan Van.

The day’s festivities will end with the showing of “The Lego Batman Movie” by South Pointe Church about 9 p.m.