National Night Out: Police and firefighters make the rounds in FW

Hundreds of people throughout Federal Way celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday evening.

The nationwide event, held Aug. 3, is aimed to raise crime prevention awareness, and strengthen partnerships between communities and law enforcement officials.

Federal Way Police and South King Fire and Rescue crews made rounds throughout the city at 24 registered events to visit residents, hand out stickers and enjoy a little fun with the communities they serve.

At Kitts Corner Apartments in Federal Way, kids of all ages climbed through a blow-up obstacle course, competed in potato sack races, and wore their own firefighter helmets. Free meals, coloring stations and resources were available to those at the Kitts Corner event including Housing Connector, which helps families coming out of homelessness or those facing barriers to housing.

Despite living in the same complex, many people have been away from each other for months due to the pandemic, said Sarah Olason, community manager at Kitts Corner apartments.

“It’s important for us to do something fun,” Olason said. “With 2020 and everyone feeling so separated, we needed to get back together.”

Resident and community advocate Portia MacDonald, aka Ms. Lovely, said the National Night Out event allows people to finally meet their neighbors, police and fire personnel.

“When I look around, my favorite part of this is watching the kids being happy and just the families coming out and getting to know each other and talking,” she said.