CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – The Circleville Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ted Lewis Park near the shelter house, drawing a strong community turnout for an evening of free food, activities, and interaction with local first responders.
National Night Out is a nationwide community-policing initiative held each year on the first Tuesday in August. It aims to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement while promoting neighborhood safety and engagement. The Circleville event featured food trucks, DJ music, bounce houses and a kids zone, free hot dogs, and a special canine demonstration, according to the department’s promotional materials.
Attendees explored emergency vehicles and equipment on display. These included a Circleville Police SWAT armored vehicle, an investigative unit pickup truck marked for the department, Circleville Fire Department apparatus with open compartments showing tools and gear, a Box 65 Scene Support rehab unit, and an Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter that performed a takeoff. Food trucks serving items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and churros were present, along with other vendors.
Officer RJ Martin, a Circleville Police K9 handler paired with K9 Ozzy, conducted a canine demonstration alongside Officer Timothy Sanford, who also serves in a K9 capacity with the department. Chief of Police Kenny Fisher attended and was observed engaging with community members throughout the evening.
Many families enjoyed the free hot dogs, inflatables, vehicle displays, and helicopter activity. Children were among those reluctant to leave as the event concluded, reflecting the positive atmosphere reported by those present.
Ted Lewis Park, located at 443 N. Court Street in Circleville, is a central community venue with shelter houses, playground facilities, and sports fields. The park has hosted the Circleville Police Department’s National Night Out in previous years, often featuring similar elements such as emergency vehicle displays, free food, and opportunities for residents to meet officers and firefighters.
Circleville Police Department leadership has long emphasized community outreach as part of its mission. Past annual reports and local coverage note regular participation in events including National Night Out, Shop with a Cop, and other public gatherings designed to build trust and partnerships. Chief Fisher, who has served in the role after prior experience as an officer and sergeant with the department, continues that focus.
The evening provided a family-friendly setting for residents to interact directly with the officers, firefighters, and other first responders who serve the city of Circleville and surrounding Pickaway County area. Similar National Night Out gatherings occurred across the county and central Ohio on the same date, consistent with the broader regional and national observance.
Overall, the 2026 Circleville National Night Out at Ted Lewis Park offered a successful opportunity for positive community engagement centered on public safety partners.
