Heat fails to slow crowds who attend NNO event in Jasper

EVEN WITH 100 DEGREE HEAT, Jasper residents showed up to celebrate National Night Out last Tuesday,Aug. 7, at the Jasper Police Department.The annual event showcased many different police activities along with many activities for the children. Pictured above left, Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter shows off the inside of a police car to two young boys during the event. Plans for next year's NNO will be held in October when the weather is cooler.

With a triple-digit heat index withering the crowd, Jasper residents still enjoyed National Night Out (NNO) with police, first responders and service organizations last Tuesday, Aug. 7.

NNO is a nationwide event to bring communities closer together to fight crime and drugs. The campaign began with a flashlight walk Monday night, and then festivities set up in the parking lot in front of the police department Tuesday.

City and county officials gave welcome speeches. Billy Williford's search and recovery team demonstrated dive gear. First responders brought ambulances, the Air Rescue helicopter, and the ladder truck from the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department.

Newsboy photos/Charles Kerr

Children posed atop a collection of Harleys owned by the Circuit Riders Motorcycle Ministries.

The Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society had puppies for adoption and their popular train ride decked out with flags. Wal-Mart donated refreshments and entertainment. Brister said the crowd consumed more than 500 hotdogs.

The Jasper Police Department sponsored a coloring contest. Winners: Age 0-3, Alyssa Wilhite; 4- 5, Iessha Franisco; 6-8, Sayge Poindexter; 9-11, Brianna White. DARE officer Wanda Brister says winners received plaques and a gift certificate for dinner for their family at Martin's Restaurant.