News Flash

The Roswell Police Department and Roswell Fire Department invite the public to join them at National Night Out Tuesday (Aug. 1) at the Target store parking lot at 2725 N. Main St. from 5 to 9 p.m. The Chaves County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police are also planning to be part of the event. This year’s local event is being sponsored for a second straight year by Target and Roswell Neighborhood Watch.

National Night Out began in 1984 as a way for communities across the country to build relationships among citizens and police, fire and medical emergency responders, while also raising crime-prevention awareness and generating support for programs such as Neighborhood Watch. Thousands of communities in all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as in Canada, hold local events each year. Most National Night Out events are held on the first Tuesday in August, although some states hold events at other times.

RPD will have its Mobile Command Center and a police car at Tuesday’s event for people to check out first-hand while they visit with officers. RFD will set up its Kids Combat Challenge, a firefighter-themed obstacle course for youngsters. McGruff the Crime Dog will also be there to visit with children. The event will feature live music by the Juke Box Band, free hot dogs and drinks, and “bouncing houses” for kids to play in. Target will be holding drawings for backpacks to help kids get ready to head back to school.

RPD and RFD thanks Target and Neighborhood Watch for organizing the local National Night Out event. For more information about the event or about starting a Neighborhood Watch program in a particular area, call Richard Lucero at (575) 420-1369.