LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

5^th Annual National Night Out scheduled for community

 (Laredo, TX)—Unfamiliar faces.  Suspicious activities.  Strange vehicles.    These are all clues to possibly criminal activity in your neighborhood.  But, how do you know who doesn’t belong or who is doing something they shouldn’t be doing?  If you aren’t familiar with who your neighbors are, then that is a perfect environment for crime to flourish.

 But won’t be the case on Tuesday, October 2.

 That evening is the 5^th anniversary of National Night Out (in Laredo only), designed to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 

 Hoping to reinforce this message to not only her constituents and the entire Laredo community, but also, to any criminals who may be watching, Council Member Cindy Liendo Espinoza along with Judges Hector and Oscar Liendo, and sponsors City of Laredo; Laredo Firefighters Association; Laredo Police Officer Association; R Communications and Target are hosting a free Night Out Street Fair on Tuesday, October 2 at the Laredo Civic Center grounds, 2400 San Bernardo from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., free and open to the entire community. 

 “As part of our Target and Blue Effort, Target has a proud history of partnership with local public safety agencies and recognizes the need to address issues of safety and security affecting our guests, team members, and communities,” said Louie Rodriguez, executive team leader of assets protection for Target.

 Indeed, the night’s events include a vast array of activities and information that will be offered by local law enforcement officials, including featuring the Laredo Police Department with various activities for the whole family.  The SWAT team will be there, but they will also put on a show with everyone’s favorite crime fighting dog, McGruff, offer finger printing of young children and have a Command Station vehicle at the event so kids can get on and see what it’s all about. 

 “I want people to be proactive and also, partners in fighting crime in our community,” said Cm. Liendo-Espinoza.  “I don’t mean I expect them to put themselves in harm’s way, but rather, to be the police department’s eyes and ears on the ground.  So, turn on the porch light, come out, meet your neighbors, talk to local law enforcement officials, have fun and fight crime!” she added.

 Joining Laredo’s finest will be Laredo’s bravest, the Laredo Fire Department with the Fire Safety House, EMS, Bike Patrol, Fire Truck/Engine and Sparky.  Not to be left out, Constable Rudy Rodriguez; Laredo Crime Stoppers, Sheriff Martin Cuellar; Webb County District Attorney Chilo Alaniz;

 Laredo I.S.D. Police Department &Crime Stoppers; Border Patrol and Customs & Border Protection officials will be there, all presenting what it is they do to protect the community, and how citizens can help reinforce their efforts.

 If that is not enough to entice residents, what about food, music or games? All of this, and more, will be offered – FREE. Refreshments, while they last, will be given away. The DJ stylings of Rulee Garcia will keep the crowd entertained while attendees can show off their Zumba dance moves. Various contests for prizes, including a raffle for a couple of bikes, courtesy of Target, as well as winning a school classroom pizza party will be ongoing throughout the night.

 However, the highlight of the event has come to be the Mascot Dance Off.  This contest features some pretty stiff competition from Officer Pat (Customs); Huggie (Webb County District Attorney’s Office);and Crime Buster (LISD Crime Stoppers), Tommy the Tank (Utilities); Deputy Pal and Eddie Eagle (Webb County Sheriff’s Office), respectively.  Other mascots on hand to make a run for the title include Reader Bear, Cell Phone Sally, Inspector McCloud, Stormy, Willie Bote, Felix the Bus, and Tommy the Tank, to name a few.  All mascots are welcome to participate, contact 791-7304 to sign up. 

 There will also be information and game booths by several City of Laredo departments and local non-profit organizations, including: the Laredo Public Library; Environmental Services; El Metro; Community Development; Keep Laredo Beautiful; 9-1-1 of Laredo; Solid Waste; Utilities; and Bridge; as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo; Habitat for Humanity; Laredo Main Street; Ruthe B. Cowl; TMC; Laredo Webb NHS; Special Olympics; AHEC; PILLAR; American Cancer Society; Imaginarium of South Texas; Good Will; Voz de Niños; Direct Auto Insurance; and Ocean Dental.

 Still not enough?  How about throwing in performances from cheer and dance groups? Any school or dance groups who would like to perform should also contact 791-7304 to sign up.  Or perhaps, you would like to enjoy some of the carnival-like rides that sponsors the Laredo Firefighters Association and Laredo Police Officers Association are providing.  Don’t forget, everything is free!

 “The idea is to take back the night and let criminals know that we will not tolerate their activity or presence in our community,” concluded Espinoza.

 Target is the national sponsor for the event; local sponsors include Council Member Cindy Liendo Espinoza along with Judges Hector and Oscar Liendo, and sponsors City of Laredo; Laredo Firefighters Association; Laredo Police Officer Association; R Communications and Target.