Officers with the Laurel Police Department stand together in front of their logo on the side of a brick building.

(Courtesy of the Laurel Police Department)

LAUREL, Del. - The Town of Laurel is inviting the community to spend an evening with local and state first responders during Laurel Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring families and public safety agencies together in a relaxed setting while building stronger relationships between first responders and the community.

“Our theme is ‘Stronger Together. Safer Together,’” Laurel Police Chief Robert Kracyla said. “That really captures what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Chief Kracyla said Laurel’s size and limited resources helped inspire the event, which is intended to give residents an opportunity to interact with police officers, firefighters, and other first responders outside of emergencies or other situations in which they would typically meet.

Kracyla says events like Laurel Night Out can give children and families an opportunity to develop positive relationships with the people and agencies serving their community.

The event will feature several Delaware State Police units, including a helicopter, SORT/SWAT team and motorcycle unit. Fire department demonstrations and representatives from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are also scheduled to participate.

Family activities will include a rock wall, bounce house, petting zoo, and outdoor games. Local businesses and other community partners will also be on hand, according to organizers, with food available during the event.

Laurel Night Out is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at Bryan’s Bowling Lanes, 1103 S. Central Avenue in Laurel.

Digital Content Producer

Sean joined WBOC as Digital Content Producer in February 2023. Originally from New Jersey, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with bachelor’s degrees in East Asian Studies and Religion. He has lived in New York, California, and Virginia before he and his wife finally found a place to permanently call home in Maryland. With family in Laurel, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Captain’s Cove, Sean has deep ties to the Eastern Shore and is thrilled to be working at WBOC serving the community.

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