SHAWANO, WI- Shawano came together Tuesday evening for the 2025 National Night Out, filling Franklin Park with families, first responders, and community organizations for an event focused on building trust and strengthening neighborhood ties.
Hosted by the Shawano Police Department, the annual gathering featured law enforcement and emergency personnel from across the area, including the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office, local fire and EMS crews, and representatives from state agencies. Attendees explored emergency vehicles, watched live demonstrations, and had the chance to speak one-on-one with officers in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
“We have many organizations that help make this event free,” said Michelle Kamba of the Shawano Police Department. Kamba helped start the event in Shawano. “We have hot dogs, brats, chips and water all for free.”
The evening also included free food, music, games, and activities for children, continuing the tradition of blending public safety education with community fun. Officers used the opportunity to share crime prevention tips, promote neighborhood watch efforts, and answer questions about local safety programs.
Along with a K-9 demonstration, kids got a chance to sign the SRO squad car hood once again this year.
“The new hood is on the squad car and on the side of the squad car is our Hawks logo in collaboration with Shawano law enforcement and the Shawano School District,” said School Resource Officer Tyler Thornborrow.
The event included a chili cook off which was won by Hayley Pyawasit, who defended her title, winning for the second straight year.
National Night Out is part of a nationwide initiative started in 1984 to improve community-police relationships and raise awareness of public safety. For Shawano, it’s become a summer tradition that organizers say is just as much about getting to know each other as it is about law enforcement.
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