Fairfield’s DEI Committee hosts ‘National Night Out’

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted a program Tuesday designed to foster good relations between community members and local law enforcement.

The event was known as “National Night Out,” and featured Fairfield Police officers and Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies hanging out with residents at the Fairfield Public Library. The officers read to the children, gave them tours of their squad cars, and enjoyed treats together.

Nahom Abegaze, co-chair of the city’s DEI Committee, said the purpose of the event was creating positive interactions between the public and law enforcement. Abegaze has organized this sort of event before, and often it involves grilling a meal that the officers and community members share. He said that, due to a shortage of available officers for the event, the organizers decided to do something on a smaller scale.

The DEI Committee had initially proposed hosting a forum with Mayor Connie Boyer and Fairfield Police Chief David Thomas. The mayor and the committee ultimately decided that was not a good fit for the city’s first National Night Out, and opted to do something less formal, where officers could better connect to residents.

Deputy Justin Smith said kids enjoyed getting to look through his squad car and learn about all the equipment he wears.

“It’s nice any time we can get out and talk to people,” Smith said.

Deputy Nelson Torres Rodriguez said events like Tuesday’s are an opportunity for law enforcement to be personable, to remind residents that “we’re human, too,” and that “I’m no better than you, and you’re no better than me.”

Pat McAvan attended the event with his 12-year-old daughter Anna. McAvan is the county’s assistant attorney, so he interacts with officers all the time, and said it was nice to get kids involved in the interactions, too.

“The more positive interactions there, the more likely someone is to reach out when they need help,” McAvan said.

Anna said she liked the event because it allowed her to listen in on “adult talk.” She liked looking through the vehicles and seeing all the things officers need for their job.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com