Keeghan McPherson, an 8-year-old Redmond resident, sat in the backseat of the cop car, peered through the barred windows and unleashed a giant smile for the cameras.

After a few minutes, Redmond Police Department (RPD) Lt. Eric Scairpon opened the door and then asked the wide-eyed, eager group of children, “All right, who’s next?”

The intimate tour inside the RPD Ford Expedition for Redmond neighborhood kids was one of the many draws of Tuesday’s National Night Out Against Crime, a nation-wide event “in which communities are encouraged to come out of their houses, meet their neighbors, and take a stand against crime,” according to Jim Bove, RPD community outreach facilitator.

Many residents held barbecues or ice cream socials as city officials, including Mayor John Marchione and city councilmembers, along with Redmond police officers and firefighters traveled around the city, visiting different neighborhoods. Members of the King County Search and Rescue also toured the town as part of the event and representatives from Target, the national sponsor, handed out beach balls at the various parties.

The purpose of the event is to “be able to educate the community about the current problems facing our community, from the standpoint of police, fire and emergency services” and share information with residents about the “services they receive from the police department and fire department,” said Scairpon.

There were 34 different parties throughout the city Tuesday night with nearly 2,000 people participating in the event, according to Bove.

“This is a fun event, the kids like it and we get a chance to meet our neighbors,” said Liam McPherson, Keeghan’s father.

The siren-blaring cop cars and big red fire engines were the biggest hits for kids.

Many children, like the McPherson boy, got a chance to meet police officers, check out the inside of a cop car and even get handcuffed.

“I’m not scared because I’m not a criminal,” said one little boy, Bar Ben-zvi.

At one gathering, firefighter David Cobb let children spray water from the engine fire hose. Some were more eager than other, but everyone left with a smile. Vader, RPD’s black German Shepherd K-9, was also a crowd pleaser for youngsters.

Meanwhile, adults were able to voice their concerns and ask questions of their local politicians and public safety officials in a relaxed, positive setting.

“Sometimes we can learn something that we can do better,” said city councilmember Richard Cole, who attended several parties Tuesday night, including the one at River Trails Apartment Homes, which was catered by Duvall-based Armadillo Barbecue.

But more than anything, the event provides a rare opportunity for neighbors to break away from their hectic daily lives and meet one another, Scairpon said.

“We live in such fast times these days that sometimes it’s difficult for people to get out and have a chance to get to know their neighbors,” said Scairpon, an Eastlake High graduate who was first hired as an officer in 1999. “This event really helps bring our communities closer together.”

And as Bove pointed out, that community connection helps make Redmond a safer place.