Wilmer will celebrate National Night Out

WILMER – The City of Wilmer will be having its annual National Night Out celebration Tuesday, Oct. 6. 

Wilmer Police Chief Victor Kemp said several weeks ago he felt strongly about hosting the event even with COVID-19 causing many cities to cancel.

“While this year’s National Night Out will not be held as in year’s past, I believe it is crucial that we do something in the City of Wilmer during this most important time,” Kemp said. 

“The City of Wilmer and the police department have been working on a safe and productive way to celebrate National Night Out next month.”

Normally, held in August in Texas because of the heat, the event is held in October instead.

The evening is normally a time in the past that residents and police officers meet and talk at various outdoor locations and functions. 

This year, the Wilmer Police Department is doing something completely different. 

Kemp said, “As a result of the pandemic, we will be driving through your neighborhood in what we are calling the “Rolling National Night Out” community event and bringing National Night Out to you.” 

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, for one hour from 6 to 7 p.m. the Wilmer PD officers will drive slowly through each neighborhood with their red and blue patrol lights glowing on their squad cars. 

Officers will have special reusable bags to hand off to children and young teens filled with items like candy, coloring books and crayons, sticker books, junior police badges and police wrist bracelets. 

“We ask that during the one-hour period citizens would come out into their yards and meet and speak with your neighbors and watch together for a police cruiser to drive by,” Kemp suggested. 

“The officers will be looking for you to wave them down, introduce yourself, take a picture and let the young one’s grab a bag, all while practicing safety.

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

• Generate support and participation in anti-crime efforts.

• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations.

• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“This annual event is a great opportunity for citizens and law enforcement to partner up against crime by connecting throughout the city. This rolling National  Night Out is the perfect way to do that,” Kemp concluded.