National Night Out brought families and first responders together Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Liberty and Dayton for an evening focused less on emergencies and more on building relationships.
Both cities hosted gatherings filled with activities, demonstrations and opportunities for residents — particularly children — to meet the men and women who serve their communities in a relaxed setting.
In Liberty, the Liberty Police Department and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office joined forces for a large celebration at Liberty Municipal Park, where families moved among emergency vehicles, children’s activities, games and exhibits throughout the evening.
Liberty Police Chief Rick Ash said the event continues the original mission behind National Night Out, even though the way communities celebrate it has changed over the years.
“So the original history on National Night Out was a way to get neighbors to get to know their neighbors and to get to know their first responders,” Ash said. “It used to be block parties, but a lot of cities have gone more to this type of event now because you can put a lot more effort into one. It’s a way for citizens to get to know their police or fire that is non-confrontational.”
There was plenty to draw families to the park.
Church choirs performed during the evening, while children had a chance to climb aboard airboats brought by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. The Texas Department of Public Safety displayed a specialized piece of equipment used to help law enforcement safely respond to situations involving barricaded subjects.
HCA Air Life also brought an air ambulance to the park. The helicopter was called away midway through the event, giving children and other spectators an unexpected opportunity to watch the aircraft take off and see firsthand how quickly an emergency response can unfold.
Other activities included games, sack races, kiddie train rides and appearances by two Paw Patrol characters, who proved popular with children and adults alike. The Liberty County District Attorney’s Office and DA Jennifer Bergman did double-duty by attending both events throughout the evening.
Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader said his deputies were happy to be invited to participate and credited Liberty Police Chief’s Administrative Assistant Donna Smith with doing much of the work needed to bring the event together.
Rader joked that his deputies didn’t have to do much because Smith had organized the event so well.
Ash also credited Smith for her work in putting together the well-attended celebration.
A few miles away in Dayton, families gathered at the Dayton Community Center for that city’s National Night Out celebration.
Dayton Police Chief Shane Burleigh said one of his favorite aspects of the event is having an opportunity to visit with residents away from the circumstances in which police officers and citizens often meet.
Burleigh said National Night Out allows him and his officers to meet citizens in a relaxed, stress-free environment and simply spend time getting to know the people they serve.
Dayton City Manager Derek Woods understands that relationship from both sides. Before becoming city manager, Woods served as Dayton’s police chief.
“I think it’s a great way for our community to get to know the faces behind the badges,” Woods said. “And kind of come out and see that these guys are real and they all have families and get to know them.”