That heartbeat was clearly evident Tuesday night as Farmers Branch, along with the rest of Texas, celebrated National Night Out.

   In neighborhoods all over town, residents were out in front yards and back yards and at block parties and cookouts - all presenting a united front against crime in residential neighborhoods.

   How did they do this? By showing up.

   That's really all that is necessary - for neighbors to see and be seen, to get to know each other and, in doing so, look out for each other by being more readily able to identify suspicious activity.

   They also do it by getting to know our Police officers and Firefighters who were out and about along with elected officials and City staff. That heartbeat makes this community work.

   In essence, National Night Out provides an annual opportunity to put 'neighbors' back in 'neighborhoods.' And, it is through that strength that our residential community can become ever stronger for the benefit of everyone.

   But, it doesn't have to happen just once a year. Farmers Branch Community Watch fosters this type of neighborhood camaraderie throughout the year. Find out more by contacting Farmers Branch PD at 972.484.3620. Or just get to know your neighbors. We hear stories all the time of people doing extraordinary things for others whose relationship consisted of nothing more than living on the same street.

   Sometimes it's picking up the paper for someone mobility impaired. It might be helping to watch out for an elderly veteran whose independence requires that he or she be self-sufficient. Maybe the kids next door need a place to go if they get home from school and parents aren't there yet.

   Whatever the case, be the 'neighbor' in your 'neighborhood.' You won't regret it.

FBTX ~ In one of his first acts of his new office, Farmers Branch Police Chief David Hale has announced that Dean Habel has been promoted to Deputy Chief while Jimmy Lee will assume the rank of Lieutenant.

   Deputy Chief Habel has served the Farmers Branch Police Department for 21 years rising through the ranks to Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2001 and Lieutenant in 2005. He has served in patrol, administration and Special Investigations. 

	Lieutenant Jimmy Lee (left) and Deputy Chief Dean Habel.

   He has been an operator, team leader and Commander of the SWAT Team, Internal Affairs and the custodian of records. In addition, he holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree in Behavioral Studies from Southern Methodist University.

   Additionally, Deputy Chief Habel is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (2011), the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (2005) and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration at the Center for American & International Law (2005). 

    Lieutenant Jimmy Lee first joined the Farmers Branch Police Department in 1996 following five years of police service in Royse City. He was promoted to Corporal in 2001 and Sergeant in 2007. 

    Lieutenant Lee is currently the Intoxylizer program coordinator, video system coordinator, fitness instructor and a member of the department's hiring board. 

   He is also a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration at the Center for American and International Law. Lieutenant Lee is a Master Peace Officer and a 1985 graduate of Fountain Gate College where he received a bachelor's degree in Theology.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Farmers Branch Police Officers will join their counterparts from Dallas Area Rapid Transit to meet and greet members of the community with caffeine and conversation on National Coffee with a Cop Day, Friday, October 7, from 9 to 11 a.m.

  This event will take place at McDonald's, 2899 Valley View Lane.

   Designed as an opportunity for members of the community to have a conversation with law enforcement officers, 'Coffee with a Cop' is held regularly at rotating locations around Farmers Branch.

   For more information, call 972.919.9135.