Paris PD: Annual National Night-Out Successful Event

[PARIS, TEXAS OCTOBER 24, 2023] For 40 years, communities nationwide have gathered as part of the National Night Out initiative to build positive partnerships between first responders, citizens and local businesses and organizations. National Night Out gatherings in areas where excessive summer heat can be an issue are typically held on the first Tuesday in October. The Paris Police Department hosted the 40th Annual National Night Out on October 3 at the Love Civic Center Pavilion.

Close to one-thousand citizens and volunteers joined staff from the Paris Police Department, including the SWAT Team, Emergency Dispatchers and Citizens on Patrol, Paris Fire and EMS Departments, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, Reno Police and Fire Departments, Texas Department of Transportation and Air Evac Lifeteam 139 to network with our community members through interactive activities, free hot dogs, snow cones and showcasing of public safety equipment used to accomplish their missions.

Paris Police Department Community Outreach Coordinator Kimmie Snowton organized the event. “Several local businesses and organizations stepped up to help with National Night Out this year by donating food, giveaway door prizes and by participating.” Snowton said. “I am very thankful for the generosity of so many; Paris is truly a giving city.”

On behalf of the Paris Police Department, Chief Richard Salter would like to thank all the first responder organizations, businesses and community groups that made this year’s National Night Out a fun and successful event. “Considering how short-staffed the police department is right now, I was truly amazed at how everyone pitched in to make this the best National Night Out Event ever in Paris. Even McGruff made a special appearance that was unplanned and a big hit with the little ones”. Those that supported and participated in the event include: TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant, Mathews Nissan, Mathews Honda, Whataburger, U.S. Army Recruiting, PI’s & More, Stop N Drop Childcare, Harlem Nights Restaurant, Paris Ford, PJC Criminal Justice Department, Paris Coffee, Blow IT Up Inflatables, Paris Pregnancy Center, East Texas Broadcasting, Wash Masters Car Wash, Signature-Care Emergency Center, Adopt A Pet, Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Paris Chevrolet GMC, Morrell Auto Group, Paris Suzuki Kawasaki, Sonic Drive-In, Sitting Angels Private Sitting, Kinetic Physical Therapy, Lays (Pepsico), Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Flower Baking Company, Evangelist Temple Church, Jeffery Cleaning Services, Maxey Funeral Home, Helping Hands, Rhonda Gustin Tupperware, Students of Paris High School, PJC girls softball, boys soccer and boys basketball teams. The “Slightly Used Band” provided outstanding live-music entertainment.