IRMO, S.C. — Families in Irmo, S.C., spent Tuesday evening, Oct. 6, swapping small talk with police officers and town officials as the Irmo Police Department and the Town of Irmo hosted their 2026 National Night Out at Moore Park.
The free gathering ran from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the park at 7473 Church St. The Irmo Police Department Community Foundation helped put on the event, which offered food, music, games and prizes along with bumper cars, inflatables and a helicopter for children to see up close.
Organizers framed the evening as a low-pressure way for residents to get to know the officers who patrol their neighborhoods. Police Chief Bobby Dale said the department values time spent with families outside of emergency calls and sees the night as part of building trust in the community.
Mayor Bill Danielson said he wanted children in particular to see police, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders as friends and helpers rather than figures to be afraid of. He said face-to-face time in a relaxed setting helps break down the intimidation some people feel around a uniform.
National Night Out is held by law enforcement agencies across the country each fall to strengthen ties between police and the people they serve. Irmo residents can follow town news and future community events through the Town of Irmo.
