On the first Tuesday of August, cities around the country celebrate National Night Out, an event which aims to foster the relationship between law enforcement, first responders and the citizens who rely on them. Coeur d’Alene’s celebration at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds went off without a hitch as people attended the many booths and tents there, interacting with a plethora of different activities.

“This is our sixth year doing it, so we want the community to feel comfortable being able to contact deputies, sheriffs, and telling them information and reporting activity that’s in their neighborhood,” Sheriff Bob Norris said.

Norris and company were able to put together a few demonstrations for the free event, including showing off how a Jaws of Life rescue works, a display where viewers could try on drunk driving goggles to safely simulate the dangers of driving under the influence and another interactive exhibit where kids could take on the “SWAT Challenge.”

“The SWAT Challenge is a series of physical events that you have to run,” Norris said. “You have some strength testing going on also, there’s about six obstacles that you have to do.”

Jessica Harris founded K9 Salute after serving as a combat medic in the Army National Guard for 20 years. Through the dog treats they sell, K9 Salute helps provide for dogs in extreme situations such as combat police work to service animals who help their owners with their day-to-day routines.

“We donate to help working dogs get protective vests and medical equipment,” Harris said. “On every bag of treats, there’s a tribute to a canine killed in the line of duty.”

From the dunk tank to the pizza eating contest to a velociraptor taking pictures with kids, one of the biggest hits was the K-9 unit demonstration.

“I like just going around and looking at everything, and the canines are cool to see, and just seeing everyone in the community,” Everleigh Moore said, an attendee.

There was no shortage of things event goers could see and do.

“Oh, I think it’s awesome,” Susan Moore said of attending the event. “We were talking to the parole officer for the juvies and kind of getting to know them. We went through the mobile dispatch center, that was really cool.”

Through the many activities the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office put in place, the message of trust preached to the community was well received.

“I think it's important for citizens within the community to really see what all of the assets are that we have within our community, and actually then talk face to face with law enforcement, fire and really see a lot of the work that goes into what they do,” Harris said.

  

 A raptor greets people during National Night Out at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.
  

    Chloe and Connor Brinsfield smile as they pose for a picture during National Night Out at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.
  

    People watch Kootenai County Fire and Rescue use the Jaws of Life during National Night Out at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.
  

    Dean Spangrude pulls an ATV during National Night Out at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.
  

    Deputy C. Gaul with Kootenai County Dive and Rescue surfaces during National Night Out at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.
  

    Veteran Michael Quinn smiles as he watches Ember Bennett play one of the games at National Night Out at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.