Representatives of the Marshalltown Police Department (MPD) and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) teamed up at the shared police/fire building in Marshalltown for a variety of fun and family friendly activities, with a chance for kids to meet K-9s Bosco and Atlas, education on proper car seat installation and the highlight of the night, a dunk tank featuring their favorite officers and deputies.

“It’s good to get out and meet the public, show them that we’re real people, we’ve got families and we really care about them and their well-being and to (let them) get to know us,” Sheriff Joel Phillips said.

For the last few years, the MCSO, which is headquartered in a rural area without many residences around, had been partnering with the State Center Police Department for National Night Out, but Capt. Chris Jones was happy to welcome them to Marshalltown. It was the first time the MPD had hosted an event since 2017.

“It’s been a good experience, and we’ve had a good turnout. So I’m happy with it,” Jones said.

From left to right, Hayden and Everly Hargrave and Mackenzie and Maximus Allen pose for a photo while sitting in an amphibious police vehicle during the National Night Out event in Marshalltown on Tuesday.

The two agencies frequently collaborate on criminal cases, but the officers also enjoy getting to know each other in a less serious setting.

“We have a lot of good time together on and off duty. A lot of times, we build those professional relationships, and they become personal. We like to have a good time together, and the camaraderie in law enforcement is really strong,” Phillips said. “We see a lot of tough things and go through a lot of things, not only with the public, the community, but in our own personal lives. We’re human just like everyone else.”

In addition to major incidents, Jones said they team up on car seat safety and other community outreach initiatives.

“We have the same goals in mind, and it’s great that we can kind of join forces and both take time together and then also show the community that we’re working together,” he said.

Marshalltown Police Chief Mike Tupper, who could not attend Tuesday, commented on the importance of National Night Out.

Marshalltown Police Department (MPD) Officer Adan Ortiz takes a tumble into the dunk tank while fellow Officer Chris Roush and Casey Wilkinson look on during the National Night Out event Tuesday.

“Community partnerships are what truly keeps a community safe. Events like this allow law enforcement and the public to come together and build important lines of communication that help us solve problems and prevent crime. These outreach opportunities and the most important things we can do to serve our community,” he said.

Officers including Chris Roush, Adan Ortiz and Chief Deputy Ben Veren took shifts in the dunk tank, allowing kids their chance to hit a target and send them into the murky water, and Phillips was set to get his turn before the night concluded.

“I like seeing Ben (in there). Chris (Roush) has been a trooper too. Adan, as cold as it is out here, he’s probably put the most time in the dunk tank,” Jones said.

Phillips was disappointed he didn’t get to see Tupper taking his turn in the tank, but he said he would accept Acting Fire Chief Christopher Cross, who was there with his family, as the next best thing.

Marshall County Deputy Tanner Hunt shows off K-9 Bosco during the National Night Out event at the Marshalltown Police/Fire building on Tuesday.