 Oh with police tragedies occurring all across the nation the police community relationship could be considered fractured in some communities. In Baxter the police department is aiming to continue the already strong relationship it has with the citizens. Clayton Castle has that story. It was a beautiful night at Oscar Christophson Park in Baxter for a celebration of community and policing thanks to the night to unite event put on by the Baxter police department. What it was it's made as an outreach from police departments to the communities trying to you know to create an event where the community can come and interact with the police department learn about the police department. Similar to events like national night out the night to unite is meant as a way for the community to come together have fun and learn more about police and public services. We're very fortunate in our area to be appreciated by the citizens you know times are tough as we all know for law enforcement right now. In communities like Brainerd and Baxter the police are beloved by the citizens despite turbulent times around the country for police officers. I think the police department is wonderful they are everywhere when we need to be when they we need them and I think that's great. The event brought out citizens young and old rich and poor. One team has volunteered at the event multiple times in the 12-year history of night to unite. Well even before pageantry I started volunteering here along with my mom who works at the city of Baxter and so I usually come do tattoos with the police department and I've just loved it ever since. More than just celebrating the police community relationship night to unite has become an annual summer tradition in the Baxter area. We're very fortunate in our area to be appreciated by the citizens you know times are tough as as we all know for law enforcement right now and and that interaction with the community but we've been we've been very fortunate here and and this is you know one town doing it there's hundreds probably thousands of towns across the country doing it. Reporting in Baxter Clayton Castle Lakeland News. Activities at the night to unite included martial arts demonstrations, face paintings and a canine demonstration. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.