Lt. Matt Holten and partner Ghost run through a K9 exhibition last year during the National Night Out event held at Bandshell Park. -- Herald file photo

This Tuesday is set to be the safest night of the year for communities across the nation, including Austin, to get out and meet their neighbors and heroes.

For the sixth time, Austin will participate in National Night Out. The entire community is invited to Bandshell Park from 4 to 8 p.m., where residents can mingle with their neighbors, meet local emergency officials and see professional demonstrations.

Besides the Austin Fire Department and Gold Cross on hand with activities for youngsters, the Austin Police Department will showcase its newest Ford Interceptor squad cars, one of which is an SUV and K-9 unit.

Along with the K-9 unit, Austin Police will perform K-9 demonstrations. The Special Incident Response Team will also have its emergency truck on display.

“It’s a really good opportunity for the citizens to meet and greet the police officers that work in this community,” said Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger.

Krueger said last year’s attendance — about 300 to 400 people — was the best since Austin joined the event in 2007. And besides demonstrations and fun for children, Krueger said, the night is an opportunity for residents to better understand how police can help them and how they can help police.

“I think an informed community is a safer community,” Krueger said.

Refreshments and hot dogs will be on hand throughout the event, as well.