National Night Out - October 5
Piney Woods 911 • September 21, 2021
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
If you don't see your event, email our Director of Communications, Lindsay Vanderbilt.
Anderson County
Palestine
- Neighborhood parties | various locations | various times
- Register your party here
Cherokee County
Bullard
- Bullard Kid's Park | 6:00 p.m.
- This event is an opportunity to meet and show support the Bullard Police Department, Bullard Volunteer Fire Department, EMS, local DPS Officers, and other local law enforcement officials. Participate in a friendly corn hole tournament, raffles, enjoy free food prepared by some of our officers, and get to know those who protect and serve our community.
Gregg County
Longview
- Neighborhood parties | various locations | various times
- Register your party here
Rusk County
Henderson
- Fair Park | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- The City of Henderson in partnership with MTC will come together with the community to support the Henderson Police Department, Henderson Fire Department, local DPS Officers, EMS, Rusk County Sheriff’s Officers, Rusk County ESD, and other local first responders.
Smith County
Tyler
- Neighborhood parties | various locations | various times
- Register your party here
Arp
- Arp City Park | Oct. 6 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Bounce houses, hotdogs, chips, and bottled water. Arp Police Department will be photographing and fingerprinting children for FREE Child ID cards.
Whitehouse
- Whitehouse City Park | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Kona ice, hot dogs, chips, and drinks.
- Splash pad open (if not too cold), TxDOT attending to check out child safety car seat installation, sample crime scene for hands-on experience, and child ID kits available.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
