Pierce Celebrates National Night Out

PIERCE — It’s a night where community members and first responders across the world come together for fun and games. The weather didn’t stop Pierce from celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday. Community members filled the fire hall to celebrate and interact with local first responders. Pierce Fire Chief Steve Dolesh says it’s a way for kids to get to know them in case of an emergency. "It gives them an opportunity to get to know us for one thing. Obviously small town people do know each other and know everybody. I think, too, if they see a familiar face if they have an emergency, they’re already scared and they see a familiar face roll up to help them it puts their mind at ease a little bit.” Kids played games, interacted with first responder equipment, and even threw water on local police officers. Pierce Police Chief Brett Oestreich says it’s about building positive relationships with the kids. “We want the kids to be able to see us and come to us whenever they need to, in good times and bad, it does’t matter. They can come up to us and talk whenever they need to.” Dolesh says the fire department looks forward to mingling with the kids, and each year they’re pleased with the community’s response. "It’s just positive all the way around. Even the next day you’ll hear people talk about it and how much fun they had and how nice of a nice it was. It works out really well."