Longview celebrates neighborly fun with National Night Out

By Darcy Birden

LONGVIEW — National Night Out is more than a mere block party.

It is an initiative to help law enforcement rid neighborhoods of crime and drugs by developing relationships between neighbors and law enforcement.

“We really work on keeping our neighborhood up. Communicating with your neighbors,” Dana Clayton said. “All over people need to be doing this and getting to know your neighbor where we can take care of one another.”

“Just a way to reach out to people. Just to draw us together as a community, and it just means a lot to the people who live here,” said Pine Tree High School principal Cindy Gabehart.

In Longview, folks across the city hosted parties to enjoy good food and an evening with their neighbors. Some parties looked more like cookouts at homes. Some parties were more elaborate with pony rides and carnival games. Even Pine Tree ISD got in on the fun hosting a party at the high school.

“We want our community to be a part of our school because we think a school can be the heart of a community,” Gabehart said. “And we’re thankful for our community and all they contribute to us and to our kids.”

More Longview police, National Night Out is much more than simply a fun night to throw a party.

“It’s a collaborative effort for all of our neighborhoods to work collectively with the police department,” Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop said.

Chief Bishop says the more the community embraces National Night Out and develops relationships with their neighbors, the safer the community will be.

“They have their neighborhood marked with neighborhood crime watch signs. They have phone lists,” Chief Bishop said. “Just that overall ability to look out for each other.”