National Night Out, the annual nationwide event where police and the community come together in the spirit of cooperation and friendship, kicked off in Reston mid-day on Tuesday.

The Hunters Woods Neighborhood Coalition and Reston Community Center Hunters Woods hosted Fairfax County Police officers, Fire and Rescue personnel, as well as neighborhood kids and residents of the Hunters Woods Fellowship House for a few hours of games, food and getting to know one another.

Later on Tuesday, police officers will visit Reston neighborhoods, where residents are encouraged to stay outside and get to know their neighbors.

“National Night Out send a message to criminals that crime is not welcome here,” said Reston District Station Crime Prevention Officer Katy Defoe.

Added Capt. Ron Manzo of the Reston District Station:

“National Night Out has special meaning. It gives us an opportunity to meet up, reach out and be engaged with the community. I have always been about community engagement.”