On Tuesday, October 4th, neighborhoods throughout Brown County are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “28th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Brownwood Police Department; Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Early Police Department; Bangs Police Department and the Brownwood Fire Department will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.  Last year, Brown County had 39 neighborhoods participate in the event, and officials are looking to increase that number in 2011.

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.

From 5:30pm to 8:30pm on October 4th, 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 Brownwood will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, and other activities.

National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity.  National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation.  On NNO, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in Giving Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party.”

Coordinators of the local NNO event are currently looking for block captains to organize these small gatherings in neighborhoods across the city.  These gatherings will be a rallying point where neighbors can meet each other, visit, and send a message to potential criminals.

“National Night Out was a great success last year and I would like to again say a big ‘Thank You’ for the support from our community – it was outstanding,” said Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley.  “Time is drawing near for NNO 2011, and once again we are looking for a great event.”

City and county officials, police, and fire departments will travel around Brownwood, Early and Brown County during the event to visit these gatherings and speak to those in attendance.

“Our goal is for everything to be bigger and better this year,” Chief Corley said.  “Start planning now because NNO 2011 is just around the corner.  I look forward to seeing all of you on October 4th.”

For more information or to register as a block captain, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535. Local participating sponsors for the 2011 National Night Out include Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers, WT Harris Company, ATMOS Energy, Draco’s Janitorial and Auto Detail, Oncor Electric Delivery, Southside Church, TexasBank, Waldrop Construction, and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured left to right – Jeff Benson, Early Police Department; Assistant Chief James Fuller, Brownwood Police Department; Brown County Sheriff Bobby Grubbs; Chief Mike Corley, Brownwood Police Department; Sgt. Shawn Dibrell, Early Police Department.

Photo by Ray Tipton, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce