National Night brings Marion County first responders, community together

Andrew Carter, Marion Star
·1 min read

The 40th anniversary of National Night Out saw another large crowd attend the event in Marion County.

Lt. Ed Brown, coordinator of the Marion Police Department's MPACT (Marion Police and Community Together) program, said the annual gathering at Grant Middle School in Marion has always been popular with local families.

In addition to MPD, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Marion Fire Department, and Marion Township Fire Department participate in National Night Out, creating positive relationships with local residents.

Local agency mascots, from left, Sheruff from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Fetch from Pillar Credit Union, and Swoop from the Marion Public Library dance with a young girl following the mascot dance-off during National Night on Aug. 1, 2023, in Marion.
Local agency mascots, from left, Sheruff from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Fetch from Pillar Credit Union, and Swoop from the Marion Public Library dance with a young girl following the mascot dance-off during National Night on Aug. 1, 2023, in Marion.

The annual mascot dance-off is a favorite event, featuring representatives of many local agencies. This year, Sheruff, the Marion County Sheriff's Office mascot, raised the most funds for the local National Night Out effort. He drew $138.41 in donations.

Fetch, the mascot for Pillar Credit Union, collected $104.75, and Swoop, the owl mascot of the Marion Public Library, brought in $62.03. All proceeds will be used to fund the 2024 edition of National Night Out in Marion.

Marion City School District Superintendent Olympia Della Flora takes her turn in the dunk tank during National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, at Grant Middle School in Marion. The event gave the community a chance to interact with local law enforcement and first responders.
Marion City School District Superintendent Olympia Della Flora takes her turn in the dunk tank during National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, at Grant Middle School in Marion. The event gave the community a chance to interact with local law enforcement and first responders.

Another popular activity during National Night Out is the dunk tank, featuring many local celebrities. This year's participants included Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan, Police Chief Jay McDonald, Grant Middle School Principal Chris Saiben, Officer Walter Childers, Garfield Elementary School Principal John Smith, Marion City Schools Superintendent Olympia Della Flora, Marion City Council President Todd Schneider, Officer Branden Damron, and Marion Firefighter Jacob Fohl.

Chief Jay McDonald of the Marion Police Department takes a selfie with department mascot Safety Pup during National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, at Grant Middle School in Marion. The event featured local law enforcement, first responders, and other organizations.
Chief Jay McDonald of the Marion Police Department takes a selfie with department mascot Safety Pup during National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, at Grant Middle School in Marion. The event featured local law enforcement, first responders, and other organizations.
Marion-based rock band Omega Kick performs during National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, at Grant Middle School in Marion. Pictured are lead singer John Mullins, left, and lead guitarist Alex Mullins, right. Lester Tackett, not pictured, is the group's drummer.
Marion-based rock band Omega Kick performs during National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, at Grant Middle School in Marion. Pictured are lead singer John Mullins, left, and lead guitarist Alex Mullins, right. Lester Tackett, not pictured, is the group's drummer.

Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: National Night Out brings out big crowd in Marion

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