The Picayune Police Department toured the city in support of National Night Out to mingle with residents and take part in festivities.

Officers toured the city to visit and share food with old and new friends at five locations in town in support of the annual event. Balloons were handed out to the children and the adults were greeted with mugs and thermoses.

The tour began at the Pines Apartment building off of Kingsway Drive were officers were met with lots of smiles.

“It’s good to know the police are on patrol,” said Jeanette Hill, a resident of the Pines.

The residents were treated to a song on piano by an officer, then the officers were off to the little Goodyear Community off of Neal Road where there was a smaller crowd than last year was in attendance, said Deputy Chief Tom Milar.

Next stop was the Rose of Sharon church on Beech Street. Pastor David Simmons thanked the officers for their presence and gave a word of wisdom to the children.

“Thank you so much,” Simmons said to the officers. “To all the children, the policeman is your friend, if you have any problems you need to let an adult know.”

Milar spoke to the crowd at Rose of Sharon about how lucky they are to live in the Picayune area. In comparison, he said, recently there were six murders in New Orleans.

“Thank God we live in Picayune where we don’t have to worry about our children crossing the street and getting killed,” Milar said.

After officers spent time with the good people at Rose of Sharon Church they moved on to the home of Willie Eubanks where he was waiting with food, friends and more festivities.

Their last stop was at Weems Chapel where more food and festivities awaited.