National Night Out to unite neighbors in Marble Falls

For Marble Falls Police Chief Glenn Hanson, a pivotal part of community policing involves immersing officers into every corner of the city.

“Close patrols when an issue can be abated by more frequent presence, vacation checks for out of town residents, targeted enforcement, fraud awareness presentations and personal safety presentations are just some of the crime prevention programs (we conduct),” he stated.

But rekindling a program that was canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions will add another tool in the arsenal for the agency to help make the community more safe and secure.

MFPD and the city of Marble Falls are partnering with Life Marble Falls for National Night Out Tuesday, Oct. 5 to bring families and first responders together after dark in a secure and fun environment.

The block party is this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the church, 1901 Mormon Mill Road.

Volunteers will serve feature free food and snow cones and provide live music.

Families are encouraged to bring their children for tours of police vehicles and fire trucks.

“National Night Out was started in 1984 to promote safer neighborhoods and build police/community relationships,” Hanson explained.

Officers and other first responders throughout the community, including Marble Falls Fire Rescue, have an opportunity to interact with friends, neighbors and supportive citizens in a welcoming atmosphere, without the stresses of a tragedy or crime-related event.

Officers can also cultivate trust in families to help protect and serve the community.

“Our community members are our eyes and ears,” Hanson stated. “We cannot be everywhere all of the time, and we depend on our residents to let us know when they see something that isn’t right.”

For more information, contact the police department at 830-693-3611.

“National Night Out was started … to promote safer neighborhoods and build police and community relationships.”

— Glenn Hanson MFPD Chief