The Oxford Police Department hosted its annual Public Safety Night Out on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Oxford Exchange parking lot.

The evening gave members of the public a chance to interact up close and personally with the local first responders who work to keep the community safe and healthy every day.

A full array of the vehicles and tools used by area first responders filled the area along with what Oxford police chief Daniel Phipps said was probably the largest number of visitors since the inception of the event.

“We do this for community engagement, especially for the kids,” Phipps said. “It’s great seeing them enjoy the equipment, crawling all over it, and answering any questions they have.”

Phipps said it also serves as a type of “trick-or-treat” night as many of the participating agencies join with Oxford in handing out candy and toys.

“This lets the community see us in a different light outside of our normal duties,” Phipps said. “They are able to see many of us with our own families and in more of a human light as members of the community and family members ourselves, not just our normal serve and protect duties we have.”

Among the public safety agencies joining with the Oxford Police for the occasion were the Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Health Systems, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, Calhoun County EMA, Oxford Public Works, Calhoun County D.A.’s office, Alabama Wildlife and Fisheries, and the Alabama Fire Marshal’s office.