Breckenridge Texan

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Breckenridge Police Department will host the annual National Night Out event in Breckenridge at the Stephens County Law Enforcement Center, 210 E. Dyer St. The BPD will team up with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Breckenridge Fire Department and other first responders and community organizations to focus on growing the partnership between law enforcement and the community in the fight against crime.

The local NNO Block Party will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

National Night Out is an annual, national event that focuses on growing the partnership between law enforcement and the community in the fight against crime. Texas celebrates NNO in October instead of August because of the heat (and because Texas is special, the BPD’s news release says).

Admission to this event is free and open to the public, and many of the participating organizations will provide free food and drinks.

There will also be activities, games, prizes and more, including a child ID/fingerprinting booth, career information and equipment demonstrations. Music will be provided on site by KLXK (K-Lakes FM)/KROO AM.

Some of the groups expected to participate this year include the Breckenridge Police Department/9-1-1 Call Center/Animal Center, Breckenridge Fire Department and Code Enforcement, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, AIR EVAC Lifeteam, Stephens Memorial Hospital District, American Medical Response EMS, Texas Department of Public Safety, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Dr. Goodall’s House–CAC/CASA, Betty Hardwick Center, Stephens County Adult and Juvenile Probation office, city/county/district court officers, Central West Texas Council of Governments, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Texas State Technical College, local civic and business organizations, and more.

Participating organizations are asked to set up their displays at the LEC around 4:30 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 since people often arrive early. The 200 block of East Dyer Street and the front parking lot of the LEC will be blocked off to provide space to set up displays. The BPD will provide the space; however, the tables, chairs, tents, anchors, supplies, etc. for the displays are the responsibility of each organization. To be courteous to other participants, organizations are asked to keep the size of the display area in mind; one or two tables/booths/tents is normal.

The event attracts a large public attendance, so participating groups are asked to keep all non-service animals at home or secured on a leash.

Organizations are encouraged to bring any uniforms, specialty clothing, marked vehicles or specialty equipment, as well as historical items and tools of the trade that are safe and interesting to see and touch, since attendees, especially kids, enjoy those types of booths. Additionally, participants may bring membership and career information, as well as child-friendly items to give to attendees.

Cutline, top photo: Breckenridge Police Detective Jay Walker creates an ID/fingerprint card for Kason Curtis at last year’s National Night Out. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Make sure you don’t miss any of the Breckenridge Texan’s news…click here to sign up for our email newsletter, the Weekly News Roundup. It has links to stories, photo galleries and more! It’s free to sign up, and it comes to you on Monday mornings (sometimes on Tuesdays after a holiday).