Recently, the Bastrop County area received a prestigious award for National Night Out 2009. Bastrop County area placed ninth in the nation in its category.  NATW (National Association of Town Watch) reports more than 37 million people participated in National Night Out in over 15,000 communities – nationwide and abroad. Texas also received a No. 1 rating again, making this the 15th year in a row as an award winner.

“Our entire community pulled together for another successful National Night Out event. Our kind donors and sponsors provided the funding which helped our area law enforcement and public safety personnel work with all the block captains and a host of volunteers” said Deputy Rusty Kohler.  “This year’s event was held in October, which increased all participation over last year. The administration and staff of the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office, as well as all three police departments – Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville – are to be commended for their support and efforts to help make this year’s event a terrific success. Also, the entire cadre of volunteers is to be applauded as well. Of course, we must not forget the thousands of National Night Out block party participants who sponsored and attended each function.”

Kohler said that a special thanks goes out to the chief administrators of the Bastrop County area, including County Judge Ronnie McDonald, Sheriff Terry Pickering, Bastrop Police Chief David Board, Elgin Police Chief Chris Bratton and Smithville Police Chief Rudy Supak.

If you are interested in learning more about 2009’s NNO event, or about helping out with 2010’s NNO, please contact your local law enforcement agency.