BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders held a National Night Out event for the community on Tuesday night.

National Night Out is a nationwide effort from local law enforcement to engage with their communities.

The event outside the sheriff’s office featured bounce houses, food, and hands-on activities for participants to learn more about the county’s first responders.

Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy said the event helps build a relationship with community members.

Lt. Chris Farmer, an organizer of the event, said it was great getting to collaborate with all departments in planning the event.

“We work with each other often, but not in this capacity,” Farmer said. “So coming together and organizing an event together, it’s just been a great experience for all of us. And we really want to partner together on more things in the future.”

Sullivan County resident Norma Durna said the National Night Out event was a surprise for her grandson, who wants to be a police officer when he grows up.

“And he’s like, ‘Where are we going?’ And we pulled up, he never seen the bouncy houses. He seen the fire trucks and the police vehicles and stuff. And he was just like, ‘This is the greatest surprise ever,'” Durna said.

The sheriff’s office said it hopes to participate in National Night Out each year.