National Night Out

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer •

The Llano County Sheriff's Office is hosting its inaugural National Night Out event to promote public safety and introduce first responders to the community in a casual setting.

The community is invited to turn on their house lights tonight (Oct. 2) and go to the Kingsland Community Center, 3451 Rose Hill Dr. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“We just decided to have it, so they can see we're just normal everyday people just like they are,” Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn said. “Meeting us one-on-on and meeting their police officers.”

Llano County deputies and constables are expected to attend to meet-and-greet the public.

“People always introduce you to a child and say that you're the guy who will put them in jail,” Blackburn said. “We want them to know we're here for them when they need help – not to scare anybody.”

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The year 2016 has been on full of community outreach to support first responders, but at National Night Out, local police, fire and emergency medical personnel cement their bridge to the community with pure fun.

Tuesday night, Oct. 4, is that night. From 5-7 p.m. Johnson Park in Marble Falls will be filled with a fleet of emergency vehicles, free food and goodie bags and events just for kids.

It is a night that makes a family event of meeting the first responders they might never see outside an emergency and to get a look inside a helicopter, ambulance or fire truck that inspires awe or excitement in the park but might be terrifying at an accident scene.

Youngsters can even get an idea of what might be going on at one of those scenes.