ASHLEY TERRY
Officers and dispatchers with the Azle Police Department are calling in a 411 on all things public safety for this year’s National Night Out.
One of Azle’s most well-attended events returns Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5-7 p.m. at The FeedLot, 225 Church St. — marking a change from its longtime home at the Azle Memorial Library/Central Park.
While the new location may be an adjustment for longtime attendees, it won’t be the only change for this year’s event.
Traditionally, Azle’s National Night Out has provided a way for residents and law enforcement to strengthen their relationships through hands-on activities and games.
However, according to Azle Police Department Sgt. Loren Lyon, this year’s event will shift toward a more educational format that will include direct communication with officers and dispatchers regarding public safety.
“The team from the police department is going to be bringing out their tools to show the community and, in some cases, they can demonstrate the use of those tools,” Lyon told The Azle News. “The dispatch team is going to have an educational game to play with citizens and Cross Timbers Golf Course is planning to host a long drive competition.”
Lyon said police dispatchers, patrol officers, senior leadership and members of the Azle Police Department’s SWAT team, drone program and crisis intervention team — along with a Tarrant County My Health My Resources liaison — will be on hand to interact with residents and answer their burning questions about what it’s like on the job.
“Residents will have ample opportunities to interact directly with the officers at the event,” Lyon said. “The officers from the Azle Police Department in attendance are at the event for the purpose of interacting with the citizens of our community, listening to them, answering their questions, teaching and learning from them.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with personnel from the Azle Fire Department, city departments and services, nonprofits and other public safety organizations. Lyon said city departments that have already confirmed a booth include Azle Municipal Court, Azle Senior Activity Center, utility billing, streets, parks, special events and Azle Memorial Library. Community organizations set to attend include the Future Hope and Healing Center, Eagle Mountain Pregnancy Help Center, Community Caring Center, P.R.A.I.S.E. Worship Nights and the newly formed Brothers and Sisters Outreach Ministry.
“I will also be inviting several other law enforcement agencies to attend,” Lyon said. “At this time the Azle ISD Police Department has confirmed their attendance.”
Although there will be fewer activities for kids this year, Lyon said young attendees will still be given “age-appropriate attention” from officers regarding their questions and curiosities.
“Free food will not be provided this year, but we have food trucks on site with snacks for purchase,” Lyon said. “The food truck lineup includes Bebe's Grazin’ Goodies and Sweet Spot ice cream truck.”
Lyon said the department hopes residents leave the event with a better understanding of what services are available to citizens in the area, how and what the APD does, along with crime trends and crime prevention.
“This event gives our citizens the opportunity to be a part of continuing and advancing the city of Azle's success in being a safe place to live, visit and work,” Lyon said. “We love and respect that we have a community that supports us and by hosting this event, we want to strengthen that partnership.”
According to the National Association of Town Watch website, National Night Out is intended to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while also bringing back a true sense of community. The campaign launched in 1984, with the first event involving 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.
While the event is celebrated among millions of neighbors in communities all across the country, most celebrate the occasion the first Tuesday in August. However, Texas and a few other select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October to escape the brutal August heat.
After 42 years, National Night Out has grown to encompass more than 17,000 communities and 38 million neighbors — all with the goal of bringing both law enforcement and neighbors together to collaborate and understand each other just a little bit better.
“If you have never been to a National Night Out, come see your first responders in a nonconfrontational environment,” Lyon said. “We would love to have you.”
National Night Out’s relaxed, informal setting allows residents to ask questions and get to know the professionals — like Sgt. Lyon — who serve them every day.
“This is our community,” Lyon said. “It is our commitment to serve it.”
