Meet your local law enforcement officers on National Night Out

Most cities in the Best Southwest bypass holding the annual National Night Out event in August due to the hot weather. So, as October rolls around residents know it is almost time to celebrate the event with hot dogs and festivities and a meet and greet from local law enforcement officers.

FERRIS

In Ferris, Public Safety Director Eddie Salazar said there will be several festivals scheduled during the month of October, and Ferris will not be holding its annual National Night Out festivities this year. “We decided to forego this year’s National Night Out event,” Salazar said. “Instead, we plan to utilize our resources more effectively by participating in the annual Ferris Pioneer Day Festival and the annual Trunk or Treat event.” National Night Out is an annual event that draws communities together around the country. The Ferris Police Department has coordinated this event in the past with help from numerous corporate and private donors. The event is free to the citizens, and donations are used to pay for rides, games, food, prizes and more. “It’s our way of giving back to our community,” Salazar added. “It is a unifying and rewarding event. Everyone leaves National Night Out with a great sense of being a part of something big. “I look forward to National Night Out every year. It’s my favorite community event.”

RED OAK

In the city of Red Oak, Lieutenant Marc Schroeder said National Night Out continues to be one of the premiere opportunities for the citizens of Red Oak and the first responders that serve them to come together in a festival setting to enhance relationships with each other.

The event will be held Oct. 8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Police Department

Schroeder said “The National Night Out in Red Oak creates and enhances our community partnerships to help each other solve issues within individual neighborhoods or the community at large. The Red Oak Police Department firmly believes that these community partnerships are crucial in suppressing crime and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.”

There will be plenty of free food, games, safety demonstrations and vendor exhibits giving back to the community during the event. There will also be a multitude of raffle prizes to give away and everyone is encouraged to take photos with the first responders, emergency vehicles and some of the other equipment that is used to serve the citizens of Red Oak.

HUTCHINS

Hutchins Police Chief Steve Perry said National Night Out for him is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, and a more caring places to live.

“National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances,” Perry added.

That city will hold its National Night Out event on Oct. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Campbell Park, 200 S. Denton St with a list of activities that includes a bounce house, refreshments, Kona ice, face painting, balloon artist, live music, crime prevention tools, Citizen’s Police Academy alumni and a chance to get to know the local Police and Fire personnel.

OVILLA

The City of Ovilla will hold its annual National Night Out event on Oct. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. behind the Ovilla Police Station at Cindy Jones Park. There will be a variety of activities from bounces houses to music, to food and all the trimmings.