ArkLaTex communities host National Night Out events

(KSLA) — Tuesday, Oct. 4 was National Night Out in the ArkLaTex!

The evening creates an opportunity for law enforcement officers and members of the community to build strong relationships.

“That is one thing this is really great because you can talk to different policemen, the firemen,” said Brenda DeBello, who attended a gathering in Joe Delaney Park in Haughton.

“They protect. That’s what they are there for, we appreciate what they do,” Raymond DeBello added.

Members of several law enforcement agencies were there, including the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Haughton Police Department, Louisiana State Police and more.

“It gives them a chance to tell us what they see because law enforcement can’t be everywhere at all times,” LSP Trooper Jonathan Odom said. “So our most valuable asset is the members of the community.”

Activities included K-9 and fingerprint demonstrations along with the Battle of the Badges, a fundraiser that involved pies being smashed in Haughton first responders’ faces.

Christmas in Haughton put the event together with a few goals in mind.

“I guess really the crime levels and we’re friends with all of our community leaders here and we want to build that bridge,” Christmas in Haughton Committee Member Tarrah Dobbins explained. “We want everyone else to know them and build a relationship with them, as well. Kids get to know who our first responders are, and that way they know that there’s someone there to help them in the time of need.”

Across the Red River, the Shreveport Police Department’s Community-Oriented Policing Bureau partnered with the City of Shreveport, Community Renewal International and Crime Stoppers for the National Night Out events this year.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said National Night Out events help build strong, trusting relationships between local law enforcement and residents. SPD’s event were held starting at 4 p.m. at 1234 Texas Ave.

Officers then headed out into the community to meet with residents. There was food and fun at the kickoff party. The public was invited to attend.

[RELATED: Shreveport Funeral Home gearing up for National Night Out party]

Bossier sheriff’s deputies, the K-9 team, Bossier firefighters and EMTs also were out and about meeting residents.

There were 14 planned events for Bossier Parish:

Bossier City

• Cross Creek Subdivision – Regent Circle
• Rosedale – 3107 Trinity Drive
• Red Chute – 612 Red Chute Lane

Benton

• Willow Lake – Clubhouse 203 Rachel Lane
• Woodlake Boat Launch
• Woodlake South – 4804 Carolyn Circle
• Magnolia Chase – 213 Cherry Blossom
• Cypress Point – 291Twin Point Drive

Haughton

• Dogwood Clubhouse – 3311 Trailview Circle
• Sterling Ranch – 21 Sterling Ranch East
• Joe Delaney Park
• Bellevue Road – 4191 Bellevue Road
• Dogwood North – 3411 Pine Haven Circle

Plain Dealing

• Oakhill Baptist Church – 320 Hamiter Road

Many other police departments, both nationally and locally, were participating in National Night Out as well. KSLA covered events in Shreveport, Haughton and Nash, Texas.

Texarkana, Texas

In Texarkana, Texas, block parties that had registered as of Sept. 30 included:

• Williamsburg/Colonial — Williamsburg Circle cul-de-sac.
• Woodridge Drive — 3520 Woodridge Drive
• Rosehill/Beverly/New Town - Old Hart Hanks Building at 1801 Robison Road
• Northview Estates — 3004 Kevin
• Bella Vista Senior Living
• DeSoto Circle — Canadian between Desoto and Colorado
• Winfield Estates — 3535 S. Lake Drive
• Highland Park - Collins Senior Center
• Northridge — Cindywood Circle cul-de-sac
• Skyline Townhouse neighborhood — in clubhouse
• TAMU — courtyard at Bringle Lake Village Residence Hall
• Creekside Apartments — 2605 Kennedy Lane
• Shilling neighborhood — 7111 Shadow Brooke
• Woodcliff — 21 Woodcliff Drive
• Summerhill Woods Apartments — 4501 Summerhill Road
• Remington 55+ Neighborhood — Remington Street
• The Oaks Independent Living Apartments — 4317 McKnight

Texarkana, Ark.

Texarkana, Ark., Police Department said the following addresses would be participating in National Night Out block parties:

• 6605 Country Hills
• 6404 Northern Hills
• 6000 Summerwood
• Opportunities — 600 E. 43rd
• 2220 Pineview
• Gate City Lodge 42 — 110 Seibert St.
• 3507 Circle View
• Sandflat Center — 209 E. 14th St.
• Providence Baptist Church — 4203 Preston St.
• Cross Way Church of Texarkana — 3604 County Ave.
• Iron Mountain Center — 1101 Couch St.
• Smith Keys Apartments — 3302 Washington
• 2908 Forest Ave.
• Preston Circle
• We Are Washington — 1900 Marietta St.
• 4702 Sunbury
• 4801 Union Road

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