MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township joined together for National Night Out, America's Night Out Against Crime event.

This annual, nationwide event began in 1984 in an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood fellowship, and to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting against crime.

Melissa Kranzo, resident and mother of three, explains why she enjoys participating in this event every year with her kids.

"It's one of the only times in the year that our neighborhood can come out and get to know each other, and I've got three kids, so playground and ice cream is kind of hard to resist."

Meridian Township Police and McGruff the Crime Dog visited many neighborhoods Tuesday evening passing out stickers to kids and meeting new people while talking about crime prevention.

"It's just kind of a great way for the community to connect with public safety and kind of just learn more about it and there's great questions that are asked, and it's just a great way to connect," said Jordan Woodruff, Cadet II of Meridian Township Police Department.

And while meeting McGruff the Crime Dog was a fun experience for all, the Meridian Township Fire Department brought the heat that night by showing their new friends just what it takes to be a firefighter, like trying on their uniforms.

"We're also showing them the inside of the ambulance, showing the cardiac monitors, the equipment we have in there for bandaging, helping people breathe, showing them what we can do actually in the back of an ambulance if we do have any medical emergency," said Chris Johnson, Firefighter/Paramedic.

No matter who the favorite was, at the end of the night residents like young Michael Lawson showed their appreciation for all those helping us fight against crime.

"To all the police out there, I salute you," said Lawson.

One way residents can help fight against crime is by organizing a neighborhood watch group. According to Meridian Township Police, neighborhood watch is the first logical step for any community organizing against crime and requires minimal effort.

For more information on how you can create a neighborhood watch group in your area, contact the Meridian Township Police Department at 517.853.4800.