Colleyville celebrates National Night Out with annual police versus fire softball game
Dozens of supporters of safety celebrated National Night Out on Oct. 4 at City Park, highlighted by a police versus fire department softball game in which several former Texas Rangers participated.
The evening’s events featured food, a scavenger hunt and a bicycle course.
Playing in the annual Police vs. Fire softball game were former Texas Rangers Jose Guzman, David Hulse, Pete O’Brien and Jeff Russell. Guzman and O’Brien played for the police, with Russell managing and Hulse for the fire department.
“Of course it’s fair,” Russell, a pitcher for the Rangers from 1985-1992 and 1995-96, said of their three-to-one Rangers personnel advantage.
Fire Chief Brian J. Riley did not mind that his team had only one professional ballplayer, enjoying what is a long-standing friendly rivalry on the ballfield between police and fire.
We wanted to support our police departments and fire departments. It benefits everybody. Kids come and they look up to athletes, police officers and firefighters.
Former Texas Ranger Jeff Russell
who lives in Colleyville“Everybody had a good time,” Riley said of the game that ended with the firefighters winning 34-14.
On a serious note, Russell, who lives in Colleyville, said of the evening: “We wanted to support our police departments and fire departments.”
Said the three-time American League All-Star: “It benefits everybody. Kids come and they look up to athletes, police officers and firefighters.”
Among the many fans in the stands was former Ranger Jim Kern, who played locally from 1979-81.
“I came as an FOP — Friend of Pete [O’Brien],” said Kern, of Arlington. “He was looking for some has beens to come out with him.”
National Night Out is an annual, nationwide neighborhood watch campaign. The event brings together police and fire departments, homeowners’ associations, public safety vendors, social agencies, churches, local businesses and residents.
Organizers said the program promotes involvement in local crime and drug prevention activities, strengthens police and community partnerships and encourages neighborhood camaraderie as part of national efforts to let criminals know that America is united and dedicated to building a safer, more caring country.
Along with the traditional “lights on” and front-porch vigils, cities and towns across America celebrate National Night Out with a variety of events and activities such as block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks, parades, safety demonstrations and visits from law enforcement and emergency rescue personnel.
Marty Sabota: 817-390-7367, @martysabota
This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 9:35 AM with the headline "Colleyville celebrates National Night Out with annual police versus fire softball game."