Although tri-town first responders, members of the Plymouth County Sheriff Department, the SWAT team, and other officials were all on hand at Old Rochester Regional High School Tuesday night, it wasn't for an emergency.

The three towns joined together this year to host their first Night Out Against Crime, part of a national event that brings together the community and law enforcement.

The family event featured demonstrations by the Plymouth County Sherriff Department’s K9 unit, free pizza and ice cream for kids, and an opportunity for the public to see the towns’ resources.

“It gives kids and families a chance to see law enforcement in a positive light,” said Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee. “It helps people realize the specialized equipment that our communities have.”

Kids explored those resources – honking the horns of the police cars, climbing in and out of the SWAT car, and pretending to ride the ATVs.

Magee said the three communities work together often.

“We’ve got some fabulous resources, really well trained guys locally. We share those very well,” he said.

Marion officer Anthony DiCarlo agreed.

“Most of us are known even on a first name basis because we work so closely with each other,” said DiCarlo. “When something happens in the surrounding communities, the other communities are anxious to lend a hand.”

The police departments hoped the event would make that clear and help the public see that officers are approachable.

Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons also hoped it would give the public “a better understanding of why we do what we do and the way we do it,” she said.

The departments plan to make the event an annual one.