KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Kingsport residents were at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex on Thursday for National Night Out.

National Night Out is an evening hosted by the Kingsport Police Department, South Central/New Vision Youth, and the Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority.

The event gives the community a chance to meet staff, view equipment, and watch demonstrations from specialized departments.

Brandon Arnold, public information officer and training corporal for the Kingsport Police Department, said the event started in 1984.

“It’s just about bringing people together, you know, it’s to showcase some of the capabilities that our first responders have and to have positive outreach and interaction with everyone,” he said. “And I mean, some of these kids don’t really get to see the positive side of policing.”

The event featured a bounce house, pizza, and various fun activities and snacks.