National Night Out Brings Together Families and UT Police for Fun, Fellowship

UT Police hosted National Night Out at UTHealth Houston’s University Housing for residents and families and a National Lunch Out for the campus community in Bastrop, Texas.  

In Houston, University Housing staff provided snacks, popsicles, and water for everyone to keep cool. Attendees received UT Police branded sling bags, hand fans, and safety gizmos. 

Safety information, kid activities, and swag were available for attendees. Chief of Police William Adcox and Assistant Chief Matt Slinkard handed out police badge stickers and chatted with community members. Adcox this year is marking 20 years as UT Police Chief. 

“I’m so grateful to have this privilege and honor to serve in this community and be in this position,” said Adcox, who has attended many of the National Night Out events hosted by the division over the years. 

National Night Out aims to build a safer community through community-building activities and partnerships with law enforcement. 

At UT Police’s campus in Bastrop, Captain Wayne Smith lead the National ‘Lunch’ Out event. The festivities there included a hot dog cookout, branded items, and swag for the community. Attendees were able to interact with UT Police team members and had the opportunity to feel what wearing heavy police gear is like in the heat. 

The evening crowd in Houston were able to meet representatives from University Housing, UT Physicians Wellness Services, UTHealth Houston Environmental Health and Safety (EHS,) and MD Anderson. 

Children and adults alike got up close and personal to a UT Police patrol car, taking the opportunity to see the many buttons and configurations of the inside, hear the sirens, and take photos. Police Officer Terri Johnson happily posed for pictures, answered questions, and escorted attendees around the vehicle.  

Sergeant Scott Barnwell and Lieutenant Kevin Gray showed attendees the features of the UT Police armored vehicle and of one of the two High-Water Evacuation (HWE) vehicles in the team’s fleet. Attendees were able to ask questions, pose for pictures, and climb aboard to see the inside of the vehicles. Asset Technician Rolando Torres had fun assisting attendees inside the cabin of the HWE vehicle, demonstrating just how high the vantage point is for the driver. 

Police Officer Bethaney Covington exhibited her coloring abilities and was a listening ear as the kids talked and colored in illustrated books with information on calling 9-1-1 and facts about police officers.  

The UTHealth Houston Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Management team set up a digital fire extinguisher for attendees to test their PASS (pull-aim-squeeze-sweep) skills, allowing kids and adults to practice putting out a fire without any complications of using real fires. Participants were able to learn the process for using a fire extinguisher, and get a feel for its weight, and gain skills to be better prepared in an emergency.  

For a second year, the Houston Fire Department was able to bring a fire truck to the event. Attendees walked around the truck, asked questions, and climbed into the cabin to see the features inside. The fire truck was able to stay the entire event, meaning no emergency calls came in forcing them to have to take the vehicle away. 

“The event could not be complete without a Prize Drop game to win some UT Police branded swag,” said Victoria Vazquez, senior community relations specialist, who organized the event. “It seems like everyone was able to take win prizes, have a good time, eat the goodies and enjoy each other’s company – all elements of a great night out!”