by Hanna Singh
Local law enforcement and first responders connected with the community for a night of fellowship and family fun at the National Night Out event held Tuesday at Zion Traveler Baptist Church.
In an effort to strengthen community relationships, the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Ruston Police Department and other law enforcement and first responder personnel took extra time on duty to spend with residents of Lincoln Parish.
With free food, giveaways, games and live performances, the night had no shortage of things to enjoy for people of all ages. Officers came in uniform and brought their vehicles, passing out high fives and letting kids get a close-up look inside a police car. The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office handed out hot dogs and pizza, while the fire station gave out helmets to aspiring young firefighters.
Chief Deputy Landon Hunt of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office shared about the success of the event, emphasizing the importance of building relationships between law enforcement and the community.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. Also grateful for pastor Maurice White and Zion Traveler Baptist Church for partnering with us,” Hunt said. “Last night’s National Night Out was a huge success. There was an amazing turnout, and all the kids seemed to have a great time playing games, dunking deputies in the dunk booth and getting their faces painted. The purpose behind the event is to strengthen the relationship between community and local law enforcement. It’s an opportunity for our deputies to build relationships and trust with our area youth. We want these children to know that our deputies are there to help them in a time of need.”
The event featured dozens of booths hosted by community leaders and organizations offering treats, games and activities for kids, along with educational and safety materials. Local radio host Santoria Black emceed the event and kept the music and fun going. Kids even had a giant bounce house, a foam zone and shaved ice to enjoy for the night.
Ruston Chief of Police Eric Watson highlighted the importance of the law enforcement officers’ role in the event.
“Ruston Police Department has been involved in this for the last couple of years since it’s inception,” Watson said. “I think it’s fantastic for the community to come out and see law enforcement in this capacity, hand out stuff to the kids and such. I think it’s good for them to see us working in the community like this. It creates a very nice together atmosphere for us.”
Officers made an effort to reach the kids on their level by creating a fun space to connect. From face painting to letting kids knock them into a dunk tank, deputies showed that they are more than just the men in uniforms these kids see driving around.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Iris Winston said the event provides an important opportunity for law enforcement to connect with residents.
“The most important thing about the National Night Out is that we, in law enforcement, get a chance to make positive connections with the community,” Winston said. “We get a chance to interact with them; especially the kids. We love it when we get a chance to have open dialogue with those that we may not get a chance to see on a day-to-day basis. Having this event at Zion Traveler Baptist Church has been established as a staple in this community, one that people respect and love. It’s perfect.”
The National Night Out went down as a success, with families and officers leaving with smiles on their faces. With a purpose to bridge the gap between residents and law enforcement, the event created a space for these relationships to blossom and change to be made.
