Porch lights on for National Night Out in Sumter on Oct. 6 – WLTX.com

Instead of the normal gatherings, Sumter police ask city residents to turn on their porch lights from 7 9 p.m. Oct. 6 for National Night Out.

SUMTER, S.C. Each year, National Night Out events bring together police and the communities they serve to have conversations, interact and build relationships.

These events normally draw a crowd, but this year, many of the gatherings will look different due to COVID-19.

Sumter police plan to celebrate Oct. 6, but, instead of the normal cookouts and other community events, theyre asking city residents to turn on their porch lights from 7 9 p.m.

During that time, police will ride through city neighborhoods to convey a spirit of togetherness.

Even though were going through this epidemic and through this COVID, its still important to let people know in the community that we still care about them and we still have this working relationship, 1st Sgt. James Sinkler said. Were asking people to turn on their porch lights that want to participate in it and were going to have officers just kind of riding through the neighborhood. We won't be getting out. There won't be people having cookouts and large gatherings like we normally do.

Turn on your porch lights for National Night OutSUMTER, SC (Sept. 30, 2020) City residents, in partnership with the...

They hope to send the message that neighborhoods and police can work together to address issues and make a difference.

Sumter County authorities are also joining in, but in a different way.

Deputies say theyre planning a parade-style event through multiple crime watch neighborhoods that requested it.

Were looking forward to seeing you and your neighbors tomorrow during the 2020 National Night Out event!Our Crime...

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Porch lights on for National Night Out in Sumter on Oct. 6 - WLTX.com