National Night Out, one night with a year-round effect
I want to thank all our member-sponsors for a great National Night Out event held on October 5. This year, Farmers Insurance Dustin Larremore Agency was our presenting sponsor. Others include 3M, ATMOS Energy, Johnson’s Gun Works, Lifeguard Ambulance Service, Mid-Tex Federal Credit Union, Oncor, TMobile, and TexasBank. Collectively, this community outdid our 2019 tuna drive total by more than 600 cans. All the tuna collected will benefit the ongoing efforts of Good Samaritan Ministries. The purpose behind National Night Out is to strengthen relationships between neighborhood residents and our first responders.
In the Brownwood area, we are fortunate to have such dedicated and professional law enforcement officials and first responders. We have so many talented men and women in uniform who serve this community selflessly and at great cost to themselves.
On Tuesday night I had the great privilege of riding around with School Resource Officer Fred Bastardo with the Brownwood Police Department. Fred not only serves at his day job with the police force but when he is off duty you can find him volunteering all over town. He is a “seasoned” member of the force with a background in juvenile corrections and is a Marine Corps Veteran. He’s got a quick wit and a disarming nature that makes him well-suited for his role at BISD schools. His job, like all officers, is not easy but he gives of himself and is passionate about making a positive impact. It was by far the best ride in a police car I’ve ever had!
We had a great time visiting several block parties, thanking residents, and collecting tuna. It was so refreshing to see neighbors out visiting and showing true appreciation for our amazing first responders. Our area residents genuinely support our police even as other cities are working to defund or dismiss the importance of law enforcement.
I am thankful to live in a county where the majority of residents admire and appreciate what these men and women do to serve. To all our police, sheriff deputies, fire personnel, EMS, thank you for what you do to protect and serve all of us. Please know the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce stands behind you and we are grateful for you.
Nathan Smith,
Executive Director, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce