Neighbors throughout Brown County are being invited to join forces for the 2012 National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event on Tuesday, October 2nd.
Coordinators of the local NNO event are currently looking for block captains to organize small gatherings in neighborhoods in Brown County. These gatherings will be a rallying point where neighbors can meet each other, visit with law enforcement officials, and send a message to potential criminals.
This is the third year for the local National Night Out effort and participation has grown every year.
“In 2010, our first year, we had a phenomenal 39 parties, and we won a Rookie of the Year award,” said Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley. “Last year, we had approximately 60 parties and won another award from the National Association of Town Watch.”
Although the past events have been deemed successful, Corley said that the goal for 2012 is set even higher and they hope to bring in several new block parties.
“Our National Night Out team, and it is indeed a great team, has set a goal of 85 parties for 2012,” Corley said. “They have set the bar high and I am asking the Brown County community to do as you’ve done the last two years and come out and support National Night Out.”
From 5:30pm to 8:30pm on October 2nd, residents in neighborhoods throughout Brown County are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout the area will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, and other activities.
National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Representatives from the Brownwood Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, Bangs Police Department, area fire departments, and city officials will travel around Brownwood, Early, Bangs and Brown County during the event to visit these gatherings and speak to those in attendance.
“Don’t forget this is a huge team effort from citizens, businesses, civic groups, churches, and many law enforcement agencies,” Corley said. “Start making your plans now because NNO 2012 is just around the corner. I look forward to seeing all of you on October 2nd.”
For more information or to register as a block captain, contact Officer Chandra Means at 325-643-9520 or by email at cmeans@ci.brownwood.tx.us
Local participating sponsors for the 2012 National Night Out include Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers, WT Harris Company, Guardian EMS, ATMOS Energy, Wal-Mart, Oncor Electric Delivery, Southside Church, TexasBank, and the Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce.
Pictured holding the National Night Out banner from left to right – Sgt. John Fincher, Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Brownwood Assistant Chief of Police James Fuller; Early Chief of Police David Mercer.
