By Vanesa Brashier, editor@bluebonnetnews.com
An estimated crowd of 400 people braved the heat Tuesday night for National Night Out in Liberty. Held at the Liberty Municipal Park pavilion and organized by Liberty Police Department, the event is an opportunity for community residents to interact with law enforcement officers in an informal, friendly setting.
This year’s event marked the first time in a few years that Liberty Police Department observed National Night Out.
“I am very pleased. I am impressed by the turnout. I knew we would have some people turn out, but we haven’t done this in about 3-4 years,” said Liberty Police Chief Gary Martin, who was promoted as chief earlier this year. Martin credits Officer Chris Watson for working with local businesses to sponsor NNO.
“He did an outstanding job organizing this, along with some others,” Martin said. “I couldn’t be prouder. There is no agenda. It’s just about enjoying each other’s company and getting acquainted.”
Scattered around the pavilion, in addition to bounce houses, a dunking booth and games, were booths set up by the Boy Scouts, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Meals on Wheels and Covenant With Christ Food Bank of Cleveland. First Liberty National Bank donated the use of a snow cone booth while Whataburger handed out prizes. Liberty firefighters provided free hot dogs.
“Everyone is having a good time. The kids seem to be having the most fun. They won’t let me on the bouncy houses though,” said Martin jokingly, adding that a couple of people, however, had recommended him for the dunking booth.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office gave National Night Out attendees an up-close view of the armored vehicle used by the agency’s Special Response Team. Pictured left to right are Liberty Councilman Dennis Beasley, David and Cassie Milam, Sheriff Bobby Rader and LCSO Investigator and SRT member Steve Rasberry. 
Kase Morris, 5, of Liberty, was happy hanging out inside the Liberty ISD Bookmobile during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Representatives with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts share information on scouting at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Representing Meals on Wheels at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, were (left to right) Board Members Emily Cook and Pam Milentz, Director Kim Stegall, and Board Members Cecilia Longoria and Maxine Domain. 
Liberty Police Officers Dustin Dagenhart and Randy Walter greeted people at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Liberty firefighters hand out plastic toy firefighter helmets during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Justus and Emily Cook, and son, Andrew, of Liberty, were among the hundreds who attended National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Liberty firefighters had one of the hottest jobs at National Night Out. They were in charge of the hot dog grill and handing out free hot dogs to attendees. 
Darwin Davis with Whataburger encourages children to play games and win prizes at the Whataburger booth at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Whataburger representatives brought along a variety of toys to hand out to children at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Cheryl Semien, Darwin Davis, Cindy Hall, (back row) Melissa Hargrave, Darlene Schmidt and Breanna Bryan. 
Liberty Police Lt. Chip Fairchild and wife, Brenda McManus Fairchild, cozy up for a photo during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Matt Thornton, CEO of Liberty-Dayton Regional Medical Center talked about all the exciting improvements being made at the hospital during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Liberty Police Chief Gary Martin (right) visits with Detective Mike Parrish during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. 
Liberty Police Department employees manned the snow cone stand that was donated for use by First Liberty National Bank for National Night Out. 
Covenant With Christ of Cleveland handed out apples, potatoes, watermelons and green beans to people at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Liberty Municipal Park. The Cleveland-based food bank also has a location in Huntsville. Food is distributed twice a month to people who qualify. Contact Covenant With Christ at 281-592-5001 for more information.