First responders in Winn are sponsoring the annual Meet & Greet for the Bridging the Gap program this Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Winnfield Police Department at 405 South Jones Street.  

The Winnfield Police Department, Winnfield Fire Department, and the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office are extending an invitation to all to come by and meet personally with the first responders of your community.  

There will be a water slide and bounce house for the kids, along with music, food, and giveaways.  First Responders welcome the opportunity for the entire community of Winnfield to come together.  As you know, there has been a lot of gun violence the past few years, so this is the time for you to air your thoughts and suggestions and to hear some of the local efforts and prevention programs.  

This is not only a local project, but one sponsored by the National Night Out Program, which develops police and community partnerships to solve community issues.  Guest speaker, newly appointed Assistant Chief Charles Curry, will give a short presentation on the background and intent of the National Night Out program and “how big we can make this program a part of our community next year.”

The Community Liaison Officer, Jessie Phillips, has spent a lot of time and effort to put this program together with the goal to push for a better Winnfield, along with a better understanding of the roles of all first responders.  “We would like you to meet & greet the people who are serving you in our community,” said Phillips.  “Our goal is to push for a better Winnfield.  Get to know your first responders so you won’t fear them but rely on them for help and assistance.”

Included will be a balloon release and prayer for victims of gun violence, suicide and bullying.