Redmond Police K-9 Vader was a busy dog Tuesday evening — and it had nothing to do with crime fighting, but rather community building.

Redmond residents got a chance to meet and pet the six-year-old German shepherd as part of the 28th Annual National Night Out Against Crime, a national crime prevention event.

Vader was certainly a big hit for youngsters and neighbors, who had a chance to mingle with local politicians, city and public safety officials, along with community volunteers as part of the event.

There were a record 46 different block parties throughout the city with more than 2,000 people who participated in the event, which is designed to connect neighbors and create a united stand against crime in the community.

In addition, members of the Eastside Precision Drill team performed at parties and members of King County Search and Rescue also visited several parties. Many of the parties provided food and drinks for officials and volunteers making a visit.

“The event was a success and truly epitomizes our community,” said Jim Bove, the police department’s community outreach facilitator. “We had so much support from city staff, council, mayor, PSE, King County Search and Rescue, and the Eastside Precision Drill team. But it’s the people who host and attend the party who make it all happen — them getting out and meeting one another only makes their neighborhood safer and makes this a more enjoyable community to be a part of.”

As for Vader, he’s a “great icebreaker. He is very approachable to people,” said Vader’s partner and trainer Redmond Police Officer Sam Hovenden.

Hovenden said National Night Out Against Crime is a good way “for (them) to give good reminders for crime prevention. … The more active your community is at trying to keep it safe and have that ownership, it’s going to be a nicer place to live.”

Betsy McAlister, block watch captain for 161st Court Northeast, said the event is great opportunity to share a meal with your neighbors and “build community.”

McAlister’s block recently created a map with names and contact information for each of the neighbors. At Tuesday’s event, she had a sign-up sheet for neighbors to jot down what they could provide in the case of an emergency, such as an earthquake or power outage.

“We are asking people to fill in their basic skills in the case of an emergency,” McAlister said. “Then neighbors know what other people have that can be helpful. One of our goals this year is to get more information.”

The event was also an opportunity to provide more information to city council members as residents had a chance to talk face to face with the city’s elected decision makers.

“Every time I’ve gone out, I’ve learned something new about the city and something new about a neighborhood,” said council member Hank Myers, the chair of the public safety committee. “It’s a great listening exercise.”