West Penn Township Police Officer Kai Apel wore jeans and a T-shirt to West Penn’s first National Night Out.

But on a table in front of him was his bullet proof vest and some of the gear he carries when he’s on duty.

“It weighs about 5 pounds,” Apel said of the vest. And that’s without the handcuffs, Taser, body camera, pepper spray, tourniquets and radio.

He invited attendees to inspect the vest - or even try it on for size. After all, he said, the goal of the event was to “get people to come out and see the resources that are in use every day to protect them and make their life safe.”

Apel started planning the event in January and reached out to more than 70 organizations.

The West Penn Neighborhood Crime Watch assisted, and the West Penn Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 agreed to host the event.

Dozens of community groups, military organizations, state police and first responders sent representatives.

Most were happy to talk about what they do, or show off the vehicles they use when responding to crime scenes, medical emergencies or fires.

Others, like the Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network, shared the services they have available and brought fun games or prizes for the youngest attendees.

There was even a dunk tank - and that was the favorite of Damian Hamby, 10.

Hamby enjoyed a snow cone, while others helped themselves to complimentary hot dogs.

They also picked up information from groups like the West Penn Lions Club, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.

Lions Becky Neumoyer and Deb Saunders talked about some of the Lions’ projects, such as community food distributions, vision tests for children and maintenance of the West Penn Community Park.

“We just installed new basketball hoops and we are going to get a handicapped swing,” Neumoyer explained.

Petty Officer Yennifer Pasquel, a U.S. Navy recruiter, offered information about the many careers available in the Navy.

“There are professions in the engineering, medical and technical fields,” she explained.

At the West Penn Neighborhood Crime Watch table, children had the opportunity to win tiny toy fish through a carnival-style ball toss. Jasper Sawayer, 3, was successful on his first attempt.

Children - and adults - could have their fingerprints captured by Deputy Courtney Miller of the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Department.

“People go immediately home with them,” Miller said of the prints.

Dave Morgan, a member of the Crime Watch, was pleased to participate in the event’s planning. He aid the organization cooperates with the local police department by sharing what they might have seen.

“We just want to be the eyes on the street,” he explained.

Apel said he’s hoping the inaugural event will return.

“We’re hoping to make it an regular event. And we’re hoping to expand it and get other communities to join in so we have a collective event,” Apel said. “That’s my ultimate goal.”