Communities nationwide, including Stamford, celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday – an annual community-building event that brings together police, firefighters and residents.

National Night Out, which began in 1984, aims to encourage neighbors to foster a sense of community and make their blocks safer by getting to know each other. Over the years, various communities have developed unique traditions to observe the occasion.

In Stamford, the event allowed various organizations to introduce themselves to the community. Activities like dunk tanks offered a light-hearted way for first responders and community organizations to break the ice.

Stamford Police Lieutenant Jerry Junes emphasized the significance of the event:

"It's an opportunity for us to come here and say, 'Hey, we're all together. We're going to have a good time and at the same time promoting safety'," Junes said.

While the event was fun, it was also a time for reflection. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Rev. Tommie Jackson – a Stamford pastor who was fatally stuck by a police cruiser last week.