The Target store on Ga. Highway 34 was in the bulls-eye Aug. 5 as Newnan firefighters and police officers hosted family activities as part of the National Night Out event to offer safety tips to families, hand out goodies and play games and give children a close-up look at the tools public safety officers use to do their jobs.

National Night Out, now in its 24th year in communities across America, gives citizens a chance to meet some of the police officers and ask questions, said Newnan Police Chief Douglas “Buster” Meadows.

“They can also voice concerns they have may about their neighborhoods. It is a great way to have open dialogue with citizens in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” Meadows said.

The Newnan event is now in its fourth year. Police officers Aug. 5 gave away coloring books, notepads, pencils and reading lights to the children and firefighters gave the kids, and parents, a really close up look at one of the city’s fire trucks. The children were also able to jump to their heart’s content inside an inflatable castle or try their hand at sidewalk bowling. Parents signed up for drawings for Target gas cards and a trip to the store’s portrait studio.

“We would like to thank Target for sponsoring this event every year. It is a great night for the community. When the public safety agencies and businesses partner up for community events it is a win-win situation for everyone,” says Newnan Fire Chief David Whitley.

National Night Out is a nationwide crime and drug prevention event hosted by National Association of Town Watch.

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