National Night Out in big O

Local and county law enforcement personnel, medical emergency services personnel and town and rural firefighters in the Odessa area gathered to join more than 37.8 million others in 16,124 American communities in celebrating National Night Out, America’s Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, sponsored in part by the National Association of Town Watch.

According to the organization’s website, “National Night Out is a cohesive effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police/community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”

Local businesses donated prizes that were raffled off during the event. Firefighters cooked burgers and sausages and hot dogs, community members brought potluck dishes to share, and there was ice cream for dessert.

The event took place at Reiman Park, where vehicles from the three main public service entities were parked on the grass for people to inspect. The weather was pleasant (not too hot, for a change), and folks enjoyed visiting with other members of the community.