EPHRATA — Despite cool temperatures and off-and-on rain, community members gathered at Lions Park Tuesday evening as the Ephrata Police Department hosted its first National Night Out, an event aimed at building relationships between residents and local first responders. 

Families filled the park throughout the evening, visiting booths, playing games, eating hot dogs and spending time with police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel in a relaxed setting outside of emergency calls and daily police work. 

Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch said he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, especially considering the weather conditions. 

“I’m quite surprised with the turnout,” Koch said. “It’s pretty nice, especially with the weather.” 

The event featured cornhole, a scavenger hunt, prize drawings, a patrol vehicle display and a visit from the Ephrata Fire Department. Paw Patrol’s Chase was also on hand, drawing plenty of attention from children and families. 

For Koch, the evening’s biggest success was seeing residents and officers casually interacting with one another. 

“Community is exactly what this is about,” Koch said. “You can interact with officers and learn that they’re people too, and we’re here to help.” 

He said events like National Night Out help create positive experiences for children who may otherwise only encounter police officers during stressful situations. 

“It’s kind of a safe place to interact and build relationships,” Koch said. 

Throughout the evening, children could be seen meeting officers, participating in activities and stopping by for food. Koch spent much of the event helping serve hot dogs and estimated that nearly 100 had been cooked as attendance continued to grow. 

The chief said the department intentionally kept its first National Night Out simple in order to gauge community interest and determine how the event could evolve in future years. 

“This was kind of dipping our toe in,” Koch said. “We didn’t want to necessarily go too overboard. We just wanted to keep it basic and simple and see how it went, and then that gives us room to grow.” 

Officer Rickey Barbet, who was participating in his first National Night Out event, said the evening provided a unique opportunity to connect with residents in a way that is not always possible during regular patrol duties. 

“I think it’s going great,” Barbet said. “Everyone came out to come see it. Fire, EMS, police, we’re all here. We’re having a good time and making ourselves known to the community.” 

Originally from Federal Way, Barbet said community events like National Night Out were uncommon where he grew up and that he appreciated the small-town atmosphere Ephrata offers. 

“It’s kind of the hometown experience,” he said. “I love it.” 

Barbet encouraged residents to attend future events to learn more about the people who serve the community. 

“You get to meet the people behind the badges, behind the big fire suits,” Barbet said. “You get to see what the community has to offer besides just the stuff that we get called to.” 

As the evening wound down, Koch thanked residents for braving the less-than-ideal weather and supporting the department’s inaugural effort. 

“I’m super appreciative of the turnout,” Koch said. “Thank you for coming.” 

    Ephrata Police Dept. offices work on cooking hot dogs and serving them to the community Tuesday at Lions Park during National Night Out. Chief Erik Koch, right, manned the grill all night.
  

    Ephrata Firefighter Emily Grass helps a resident try on gear at National Night Out Tuesday at Lions Park.
  

    A young resident and her dad get into a police car on display at National Night Out Tuesday at Lions Park.
  

    A group of children learn about Lifeline Ambulance services by exploring the inside of one of the ambulances.
  

    Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns throws a football with three young residents at National Night Out Tuesday at Lions Park.