The Stamford community joined local law enforcement for a special celebration at Latham Park.

National Night Out was celebrated across the state Tuesday night, including in Bridgeport, Newtown and Monroe.

The annual tradition gives people the opportunity to learn more about the men and women who protect their communities.

"I’ve never seen community like I’ve seen here in Stamford," Jodee Macdonald says. "I live on Summer Street, and I just saw an officer fixing a little boys' bike with a pocket knife."

Lt. Jerry Junes, of the Stamford Police Department, says it’s one of the parts of policing that’s missing today.

“Without positive relationships in the community," Lt. Junes says, "police forces won’t thrive as well as ours."