By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Tulalip Police Department welcomed families, friends, and community members to the Tulalip Amphitheater for National Night Out 2026, an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community they serve. Throughout the event, attendees connected with officers, first responders, and representatives from various tribal departments while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitors were treated to free food, activities, and giveaways as departments from across the reservation shared information about the programs and services they provide. Children and adults alike collected free swag, explored emergency vehicles, and participated in hands-on activities.
One of the evening’s most popular attractions was the beer goggles station, where participants attempted to navigate a tricycle course of traffic cones while wearing goggles simulating the effects of alcohol impairment, offering a firsthand look at how alcohol can impair vision, balance, and coordination.
More than just a community celebration, National Night Out created an opportunity for residents to meet officers outside emergencies and learn about the many tribal departments that work together to serve the community.
Tulalip tribes Chairman Hazen Shopbell thanked the officers and public safety personnel who volunteered their time to make the event possible.
“Thank you for always answering the call,” Shopbell said.
For Tulalip Police Chief Shawn Ledford, the annual event is about bringing people together in a setting where conversations happen naturally, and partnerships can continue to grow. He said National Night Out provides an opportunity to highlight the teamwork between the police department and other tribal programs and to create an environment where families can interact positively with officers.
“I think the event went great. We had a lot of community members come out, the kids loved the bouncy house, I think everyone who came had a good time,” Ledford said. “It displays our partnership not only with the community but also with the different tribal entities such as the fire department, health department, and many others. Plus, it gives the community a chance to talk to the officers and have a meal together.”
Ledford said events like National Night Out are an important investment in the future because strong relationships between residents and law enforcement benefit the entire community. He explained that when people know the officers who serve Tulalip, they are more likely to reach out when they need help or witness suspicious activity.
“The department has to continue to build that trust,” said Ledford. “Some of the things that have happened at the national level have caused the community to lose trust in law enforcement. We depend on the community for certain cases, so we must make sure that they trust us. Plus, creating an atmosphere where people aren’t afraid to call 911 or the Tulalip Police Department if they spot something suspicious. Getting to know us a little better is the most important part of this.”
Ledford said he also hopes the event leaves children with positive experiences that help them feel comfortable around first responders while giving families a chance to learn more about the tools and equipment officers use every day.
“Good memories for the kids and some trinkets to remember the occasion. Getting to experience some of the vehicles and machines that we operate on a day-to-day basis,” said Ledford.
Officer Haison Duong, who has served with the Tulalip Police Department for nine years, said National Night Out gives officers a chance to meet people in a setting that is very different from the emergencies they typically respond to. He believes those everyday interactions help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community long before someone ever needs to call 911.
“It means getting out in your community and being able to connect and have a meaningful conversation,” said Duong. “National Night Out is a dedicated day for us, and it means the world to be able to have these interactions. This is where we work, and we want the community to be comfortable with us because in their worst time, we are the people they call. We want to build that trust within the community so they feel comfortable with calling us.”
Looking beyond the event itself, Duong said the department continues to focus on issues affecting the reservation and encourages residents to play an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safe.
“We must keep drugs off the reservation, illegal guns off the reservation, and better neighborhood policing,” Duong said. “Call 911 if you need us; we are always there to help and be vigilant.”
As families packed up lawn chairs and children finished the evening’s activities, Duong said he hopes people left with a greater appreciation for the community they share and the people who serve it.
“At the end of the day, we take off our badges, and our guns, we take off our vests, we are the same person as you, we are all the same people. Be kind, be safe, and be responsible.”