Residents will soon have a chance to meet and greet the people whose mission is to serve and protect them throughout the year.

  Henry’s Night Out is scheduled for Thursday, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., in front of Target Henry Town Center, 1850 Jonesboro Road in McDonough. The Henry County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and E-911 Departments will host the free event, designed to enable them to interact with parents and children.

  The event will also include free food, activities, trunk-or-treating and live music.

  Fire Capt. Michael Hunnicutt has participated in Henry’s Night Out festivities for 17 years. He said the occasion enables him and his coworkers to interact with area residents in an upbeat atmosphere.

  “Most of the time when someone calls 911, that’s the worst day of their life,” he said. “At an event like this, we’re one of them. For lack of better terminology, we’re people too.”

  Hunnicutt said representatives from his department will be on hand with several tools to talk with the public about fire safety. “We’ll have some of our trucks on display, and all of our command staff will be there,” he said. “Our education division will have our fire-safety education inflatable there.”

  He said Henry’s Night Out gives residents an opportunity to ask questions and build a network with all divisions of public safety.

  “To see the kids faces when they get to take pics, get the plastic helmets – their faces light up,” said Hunnicutt.

  For more information, visit www.co.henry.ga.us.