By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On Tuesday, August 5, the Tulalip Police Department hosted a memorable National Night Out at the Kenny Moses Building in Tulalip, where community members, law enforcement, and first responders came together for an evening full of games and laughter. The event provided an opportunity for families to engage with officers outside of their typical roles, creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all ages.
From the inflatable bouncy house to the dunk tank, kids were excited to participate in the festivities. The highlight of the evening? Getting the chance to dunk Chief of Police Shawn Ledford. “It was great, especially when the kids are trying to dunk you,” Ledford said with a smile.
The event wasn’t just about fun and games, though. It was a chance for the community to engage with officers on a personal level, breaking down barriers and misconceptions about law enforcement.
“We want our officers to be approachable and for the community to get to know them better,” Chief Ledford explained. “Building community trust is something we always have to do, and events like this help us show that we are human too, just like everyone else.”
Erik Delarosa, a three-year veteran with the Tulalip Tribal Police, emphasized the importance of being visible and approachable in community events like this. “It’s a good chance for a lot of us to see each other outside of work and see the families. We’re just like everybody else, we want to have fun,” he said.
National Night Out also served as an opportunity to address some of the common misconceptions about police work. “People often think that police officers are just here to enforce laws and stop people from having fun, but that’s not the case,” Delarosa added. “We’re here to build relationships and create a safe community for everyone.”
Chief Ledford echoed these sentiments, clarifying that the role of law enforcement extends beyond making arrests or using force. “Some misconceptions are that we want to arrest people or use force, but we want safe communities. We use de-escalation to avoid using force. Our goal is to keep the community safe, and we’re always trying to do our best in a challenging job.”
In addition to the recreational activities, several local services were available to support the community, including Family Haven Behavioral Health and beda?chelh, offering resources for those in need.
This year’s National Night Out was a perfect example of how law enforcement can strengthen bonds within the community. It wasn’t just about building trust; it was about showing the human side of the officers who serve and protect and proving that they are approachable, caring individuals who share the same community values. With such a successful event, it’s clear that the Tulalip Police Department is committed to creating lasting relationships, one splash at a time.