Join us for National Night Out: A community celebration

Mark your calendars for August 6th! The Puget Island Fire Department will be celebrating National Night Out, an annual nationwide event aimed at fostering community spirit and safety. Our local National Night Out event is set to take place this coming Tuesday the 6th of August, from 6pm-8pm at the Puget Island Fire Station on SR-409. Organized by local fire station volunteers, you can look forward to kids’ games, a raffle with prizes, hot dogs and rootbeer floats in support of fire and neighborhood safety.

The first National Night Out was introduced in August 1984 through a network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

2024 will be the 7th year that the Puget Island Fire Department has hosted National Night Out on the island, the only National Night Out event in all of Wahkiakum County. While the first edition in 2017 gathered just over 50 people, that figure grew to around 200 people in 2023, all enjoying each other’s company and some root beer floats. It’s an opportunity to grow community and awareness of the role that public services play in the area. Along with the fire department, you’ll be able to meet representatives from the Cathlamet Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Sheriff’s Department.

Mike Beutler, Fire Chief of the Puget Island Fire Department for the last eight years, appreciates the social value of the event. “National Night Out allows islanders and mainlanders alike to meet up and get to know us, and each other, a little better. It’s important to make sure people know that there is someone nearby and it makes the fire station a hub for community.” Mike has been at the fire station almost 11 years now and emphasized the importance of knowing your neighbors, who may just turn out to be the volunteer firefighters or emergency medical team that get called in case of an emergency. “It’s good to know that you can count on people like that. And maybe we’ll get a few more interested in volunteering in the process.”

Whether you're new to Wahkiakum County or a longtime Puget Island resident, this event is a great chance to see friends, meet neighbors and interact with your local fire brigade, police and emergency medical teams around fun and games. Everyone can participate in the festivities and a few extra hands on the day are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you there! Remember, when we come together as a community, great things happen. See you at National Night Out!