Palmhurst celebrates 12th annual National Night Out

City Council honors late Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez

Last Tuesday, thousands of attendees filled the Church of Christ Park for Palmhurst’s 12th Annual National Night Out Event. Amid community and celebration, the city gave a dedication to former Palmhurst Mayor Ramiro J. Rodriguez.

“It’s about being good neighbors, being good friends with each other, taking care of each other,” Palmhurst Mayor Fred Del Barrio said. “We’re lucky to have a great police department, a great Sheriff’s department that keeps us safe.”

Those in attendance were municipalities such as the Alton Police Department, McAllen Police Department, Edinburg Police Department, San Juan Police Department, and Pharr Police Department. 

“We’re all neighbors. We’re one big community,” the mayor said before he addressed his citizens and guests. He then reflected on Palmhurst’s agency as a whole, “We’re a shining gold star in the South Texas area.”

County Agencies such as the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office, the Hidalgo County Emergency Management, and the Precinct 3 Constable Larry Gallardo were present. 

Elda Rodriguez, wife of late Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez Jr. receives an honorary proclamation on her husband’s behalf. Photo Courtesy of the City of Palmhurst.

On stage, Mayor Del Barrio and the City Council welcomed Elda Rodiguez, wife of the late Palmhurst Mayor, Ramiro Rodriguez Jr. There, they awarded her with an honorary proclamation.

“It was an honor to represent my husband, who was the Mayor of Palmhurst for over 20 years,” said Rodriguez. “He brought so much to the city, as far as business and to the community. Palmhurst was everything to him.” 

Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio ‘Terry’ Palacios joined the honorary County guests in speaking about public safety and community outreach.

Also in attendance was Sheriff Eddie Guerra, who applauded the efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

“You know, my job as Sheriff is to make sure all the people that live, work, and travel in this great county feel safe and secure,” Guerra said, explaining that caring for the safety of roughly 1.5 million constituents is tough on one individual. However, he is grateful for the over 800 employees at the HCSO who help him with that cause alongside city agencies.  

“It means a lot to these men and women in uniform that put their lives on the line to keep their respective communities safe,” he said.

The Sheriff also thanked the city of Palmhurst for hosting their National Night Out and creating an opportunity for gathering.

“This is about community relationships, community building,” he said. “God bless the state of Texas, God bless the county of Hidalgo, and God bless the city of Palmhurst.”

The City Council then presented him with a Community Partnership Award.

Mayor Fred Del Barrio hands Sheriff Eddie Guerra the Community Partnership award. Photo by Maria Ruiz/Progress Times.

Palmhurst Chief of Police Mike Vela emphasized collaboration between the community and police in public safety.

“Whether we’re here as federal, state, or local agencies, we’re here to collaborate with them,” he said. “People think of us differently, but we’re here to show the community we’re here for them. And we’re here to work for them.”

At the event, people stood to accept free school supplies and public safety resources and meet with local law enforcement agencies across the Valley.

Over 500 MCISD and SISD students performed from sunset to star-rise. Mission High School and Sharyland welcomed its Grupo Folklorico Aguilas and Grupo Folkorico Cascabel to the crowd. The Veterans Memorial High School Band, Color Guard, and Cheer Squad turned the dance floor blue.

Chief Vela reassures the public that the Palmhurst Police Department works diligently to keep people safe. 

“The good thing is that our crime’s really low. That’s the good thing in our community,” said Vela. “But it doesn’t mean that people out there are[n’t] going to commit heinous crimes…we’re always out there for the community regardless.”