Hundreds if not thousands of Wareham residents mixed with local law enforcement and safety groups Tuesday evening for Wareham's annual National Night Out celebration.

The event is held in cities and towns across the country every summer and is meant to foster a strong relationship between those who protect the community and those who live in it, particularly the children.

A parade of emergency vehicles and others descended on Lopes Field, where Wareham Interim Police Chief Kevin Walsh kicked off the event by presenting 9-year-old Sean Stephens with the 2014 Courageous Youth Award.

Walsh said that Stephens called 911 in May when he was alone with his grandfather, who was having trouble breathing, and provided emergency personnel with vital information.

"I can't be any prouder of him," said Betsy Stephens, Sean's mother.

"Sean handled it like a pro," said Walsh, who led the parade from the Onset Pier to Lopes Field.

Walsh was followed in the parade by the Wareham Tigers football and cheer squads, the Wareham Boys and Girls Club, and a wide array of large, loud emergency vehicles.

At Lopes Field, kids were able to go on fire trucks and Harbormaster boats as well as ride along on an ATVs.

In addition to the public safety equipment, kids also had access to a bounce castle, a dunk tank, the newly refurbished Lopes playground and plenty of food and music.