For the first time this year, South Whidbey residents will have the chance to interact with law enforcement officers and other first responders during Langley’s very own National Night Out.

After fielding several requests for the event on the South End, Langley Police Chief Tavier Wasser decided to take matters into his own hands and host one.

The family-friendly and free event is set to take place 1-4 p.m. this Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds. Nationwide, National Night Out’s mission is to build community while promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Attendees can find a variety of informational booths where police officers, firefighters, paramedics and behavioral health specialists will be on hand to greet them and answer questions. Wasser said Nintendo of America, which is sponsoring the event, has donated a “ton of swag” to give out.

Langley’s National Night Out involves an exciting live demonstration. Personnel from the fire departments will perform a vehicle extrication with an old Langley Police Department car that the city donated to the cause. First responders will show how to get the victim out of the car and how to treat them for injuries.

Attendees can also experience firsthand some of the everyday situations law enforcement encounters with the use of a special VR headset used by officers. The Langley Police Department received a grant from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to purchase de-escalation tools, which includes VR simulations.

In addition, Wasser said, there will be a couple of food vendors. There will be a roster at the police department’s booth for volunteers for the ALERT program, which is being reinvigorated in the Village by the Sea.