Botetourt County residents gathered Friday evening at Buchanan Town Park for BOCO Night Out, an annual community outreach event hosted by the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office.
The event ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the park’s carnival grounds on Lowe Street, offering free food, activities and fireworks for residents and families. Live music was provided by Jerry Wimmer and Bottom of the Barrel, adding to an evening designed to bring local law enforcement and the community together in a family-friendly setting.
Sheriff Matt Ward described this year’s event as a tremendous success, noting that attendance exceeded expectations. He expressed gratitude to the community partners, volunteers and sheriff’s office staff who helped organize the gathering.
“More than anything, I hope residents walked away knowing their Sheriff’s Office is here to support them,” Ward said. “BOCO Night Out is about more than just food, entertainment, and activities. It’s about bringing our community together and building relationships with those we serve.”
Ward said the event gives residents an opportunity to become more comfortable approaching deputies, asking questions and getting to know the people behind the badge. He emphasized that building those relationships through everyday interactions helps strengthen connections between law enforcement and the community.
He also praised the community’s support of the Sheriff’s Office and said officials would continue looking for ways to bring residents together while working toward a safe community.
BOCO Night Out is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s community outreach efforts. Although the event is associated with the National Night Out initiative, Botetourt County holds its celebration in October.
The event was held at Buchanan Town Park, 485 Lowe St., with admission and activities offered free to the public.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
