Cass County National Night Out

National Night Out is meant as an opportunity for area residents to get to know their local law enforcement, firefighters and other elected officials.

On Oct. 4, Judge Barbara McMillon, as well as other elected officials such as Sheriff Larry Rowe, District Attorney Courtney Shelton, and City of Linden officials, invited local families to Cass County Law Enforcement Center to mark National Night Out with a cookout, giveaways, games.

Area kids were content hopping and playing in a large purple bounce house that was set up just outside on the lawn, while B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse) had a booth nearby handing out candy and information about their charity’s child advocacy.

Hotdogs were grilled and served with all the fixings, by city council and ladies with the county clerk’s office inside the center, where locals also attended booths that lined the walls.

Area businesses and officials had set up games and handed out various grab bags and goodies while visiting with community members inside the center.

Sheriff Rowe helped hand out T-Shirts at the CCSO’s booth and said he was happy to see the community come together for the event. Smokey the Bear came out of a side room and surprised local kiddos who were happy to pose with him and learn about the forestry service.

Firemen from throughout Cass County showed up and Linden Fire Department brought one of their fire trucks for happy kiddos to explore. Texas Department of Public Safety likewise brought an armored personnel carrier.

An impaired driving course was set up in the parking lot, where adults and teens could try driving a make-shift vehicle through traffic cones with goggles that simulated varying degrees of impairment. The course helps show people what it would be like to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and why that’s never a good idea.

The District Attorney’s Office set up a booth and display to provide domestic violence awareness and had games and goodies to hand out as well.

The event came to a close about 7:30 p.m. after a packed house full of smiles and laughter that echoed throughout the law enforcement center.