Wilmer, Midlothian to celebrate National Night Out this year

WILMER – It’s on for the City of Wilmer’s National Night Out event this year to be held on Tuesday. Oct. 5.

This year with COVID-19 once again on the rise, the Wilmer Police Department has decided to celebrate a little different though, with a hosted “DRIVE THROUGH National Night Out” community event.

The NNO celebration will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. with Wilmer PD officers stationed on the Police Department parking lot, 219 E. Beltline Road for two hours to meet and greet residents.

“The officers and McGruff the Crime Dog will have special reusable bags to hand off to kiddos and young teens filled with items like candy, sticker books, junior police badges, Frisbees and beach balls.

“Wilmer Police Chief Victor Kemp said, “Coffee mugs and Koozies will be available for adults while supplies last. All you need to do is drive through and officers will hand the appropriate number of bags through your car window all while practicing safety protocols.”

This annual event is a great opportunity for citizens and law enforcement to partner up against crime by connecting with each other throughout the community.

Overall, NNO is about heightening crime and drug prevention awareness; generating support and participation in anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

MIDLOTHIAN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

In Midlothian, Christopher Douglas with the C.A.T.T Unit (Community Action Through Teamwork) of the Midlothian Police Department said that city will be hosting a National Night Out event this year too.

“We are currently in the home stretch for finalizing the little details for our city’s National Night Out on October 5,” Douglas said.

“I’m very happy to announce that we have 25 registered neighborhoods at about 22 different locations since a few smaller neighboring neighborhoods are combining at one location.

“Mostly all of the neighborhoods will be in person gatherings and will have food of some sort, games, bounce houses, music and fellowshipping with each other.”

The Midlothian PD believes National Night Out is important not just to the officers in the Police Department, but also to the citizens who made their voices heard when asked how they could help and wanting to register.

“This event has shown time and time again to bring everyone together and to strengthen our trust/ bond between the police department and the community we serve,” Douglas concluded.

“After the last year and a half, everyone just wants to have fun, come together and enjoy life again. Last year, Midlothian was ranked #1 in the State of Texas and #6 in the nation for NNO rankings (for our city size category). This year, we hope to take #1 in both categories.”

Cities not holding a NNO event this year include Red Oak and Ovilla.

Cities that did not respond by press time as to whether an event would be held include Waxahachie, Ferris, Palmer, Italy and Ennis.

Contact each city’s police department for more information about NNO next week if your city’s PD is one that did not respond.