Byrnes Mill National Night Out to Bring First Responders, Families Together Oct. 6

The Byrnes Mill Police Department is inviting residents to spend an evening getting to know the people and organizations that respond when their community needs help.

The department will host its 2026 National Night Out from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Spring Hills Church, 6247 Upper Byrnes Mill Road.

For Byrnes Mill Police Chief Frank Selvaggio, the event is about more than introducing residents to police officers. The department has invited a much larger group of organizations that Selvaggio considers part of the community’s first responder family.

Representatives are expected from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, High Ridge Fire Department, Cedar Hill Fire Department, North Jefferson County EMS District, Big River Ambulance District, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch and Northwest Towing Service.

The department also works closely with local churches and community organizations throughout the year. Spring Hills Church, SpiritWord Church, and Point of Refuge Church are among the churches that have partnered with police on community programs.

“We just try and touch community in a lot of different ways,” Selvaggio said.

That approach will be on display throughout National Night Out.

In addition to emergency responders, community organizations are expected to participate, including animal rescue organizations and groups that provide other local services. Open Door Animal Sanctuary is expected to bring adoptable animals, while God’s Grace Animal Rescue will provide a petting zoo.

Families can also expect face painting, children’s games, hot dogs, chips and drinks throughout the evening.

A Special Guest Named “Chief”

One of the evening’s most anticipated visitors may have four legs.

Selvaggio said he is hoping a young colt named Chief will be able to attend and meet the community.

The colt belongs to God’s Grace Animal Rescue and was named after Selvaggio following a relationship between the rescue and the Byrnes Mill Police Department that developed over several years.

The connection began with an unusual missing-animal call involving Zach, a miniature zebu that had recently been rescued from an auction.

Selvaggio recalled initially wondering what exactly he was being asked to look for when the rescue contacted the department about the missing animal.

Officers helped search the area, and Zach was eventually found after apparently spending time in the woods alongside a group of deer.

“The pack of deer had adopted him,” Selvaggio said.

That unusual call developed into a lasting relationship between the department and the rescue. Since then, police have helped with situations involving horses, a donkey, turkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and other domestic animals.

Earlier this year, the rescue took in a horse without realizing she was pregnant. When the horse later gave birth to a male colt, Selvaggio got a phone call.

“They called me up and said, ‘We have a new Chief,’” Selvaggio recalled.

The chief joked that the honor comes with one condition: visitation rights.

Chief was still very young at the time of the interview, so Selvaggio said his appearance at National Night Out will depend on whether he is ready to make the trip.

More Than a Community Gathering

While National Night Out gives residents a chance to meet police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, troopers and others in a relaxed environment, it also marks the beginning of an important holiday program for the police department.

Selvaggio said the event serves as the fundraising kickoff for the department’s Shop with a Cop program, which helps local children during the Christmas season.

A variety of donated raffle baskets will be available during National Night Out, with proceeds helping support the program.

Past and planned baskets have included everything from pet supplies to soaps and cosmetics, children’s toys, tools and other donated items.

The event has traditionally drawn a strong response from residents.

“There’s no parking left,” Selvaggio said of previous National Night Out events, noting that the department regularly sees a large turnout.

Spring Hills Church provides a large parking area for the event, and Selvaggio said the goal is to create an evening where residents can simply spend time with the people who serve their community.

“We just want everybody to have fun,” he said.

National Night Out

Tuesday, Oct. 6
4–7 p.m.
Spring Hills Church
6247 Upper Byrnes Mill Road

The event will include first responders, community organizations, children’s activities, face painting, a petting zoo, food, raffle baskets and more. Proceeds from the raffle fundraiser will help support the Byrnes Mill Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program.

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