Two-year-old Cole Greiser sat on a police motorcycle Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, his father Mike standing close by as Upper Uwchlan Police Officer Alec Fleming walked them through the bike's lights and sirens. A few yards away, 2½-year-old Caleb Babiaki of West Whiteland pushed every button he could reach inside a state police cruiser.

They were among hundreds of children and families who filled the Henderson High School parking lot for National Night Out, the annual event that puts West Chester Area School District families face-to-face with the emergency responders who serve their neighborhoods and schools.

The goal: build trust now so it exists before an emergency happens.

"We usually meet people when something really bad is happening and it's nice to meet at a fun occasion like tonight," Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said at the event, according to the Daily Local.

De Barrena-Sarobe has made school safety a visible priority. In June, he joined dozens of law enforcement officers and school officials for a multi-day training at West Chester University focused on lessons from the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, according to a Chester County DA's Office news release.

School resource officers on the ground

Westtown-East Goshen Police Officer Kennith Frascella, the school resource officer assigned to Westtown-East Goshen schools, handed out ice cream scoops, hacky sacks, coloring books, paper police badges and canvas reusable bags. Frascella, who was recognized by his department on National SRO Day in February, said the event gives children a chance to meet a police officer in a non-emergency situation "so they know who to go to for help if mom or dad isn't nearby."

Battalion Chief Dave March of the West Chester Fire Company said the event brings the community and emergency responders together "during a calm environment." Volunteer firefighter Bob Torrens of Fame Fire Company showed off fire engines to kids, while Will, Jameson and Tripp Givnish of Westtown climbed over the equipment.

Crystal Fountain, the Chester County Sheriff's Office community outreach and event coordinator, and State Police Trooper Mike Carter, public information officer at the Avondale and Embreeville barracks, also greeted families. Sue Casso-Rogers represented the West Chester Rotary, handing out candy and business cards.