ETMAA "Family Night" was a Reunion

JASPER, Texas - East Texas Mutual Aid Association - Family Night

The East Texas Mutual Aid Association met at the Jasper County Annex to hold their annual "Family Night" on Thursday for regional emergency organizations.

The event is held once a year for emergency services, volunteer fire departments, Sheriff and Police Departments and their families as an evening of appreciation.

Jasper County’s Emergency Management Homeland Security Program Manager Administrator Billy Ted Smith hosted the event. Smith thanked everyone in attendance including Jasper County Judge Mark Allen, Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard and City of Jasper Mayor Clark McClane. Smith also thanked Venture Global for sponsoring the event.

Sheriff Havard updated the crowd of the changes going on at the Sheriff's Office. Havard said, "Hopefully, everyone is seeing a more professional presence throughout the county." Havard thanked the Jasper Commissioner's Court for being Pro Law Enforcement and providing funding for 3 additional deputies to the department. In addition to staffing increases, Havard outlined upcoming changes with a project that is underway to repurpose a recreational area of the jail into a 14-bed unit.

Jasper Mayor Clark McClane addressed the room by reminding everyone that people are moving to Jasper every day. McClane mentioned a young couple he met recently who moved from Colorado and purchased property near Boykin Springs. McClane said, "What's good for the City of Jasper is good for Jasper County," encouraging everyone to pray for Jasper and Jasper County.

The evening was topped off with giveaways from local and regional businesses providing tools, gift baskets and gift cards. The evening was filled with laughter, children volunteering and stories shared over a meal, much like a reunion of friends with over 50 in attendance. Jasper County first responder organizations as well as Newton Police Chief Will Jackson and members of the Newton Volunteer Fire Department attended the evening.

As people, we forget we need each other and an evening together to honor and appreciate one another sends a strong reminder that we are all in this together.