Sneads Night Out Bonds Law Enforcement with the Community

By: Shelia Mader

The Sneads community braved sweltering heat and rainy skies to come together for the recent Sneads Night Out, an event dedicated to building trust and friendship between law enforcement officers and the people they serve.

The gathering was organized by Bubba and Mary Baker, with Bubba serving as president and founder of the American Heroes Motorcycle Association. Both have deep roots in service, Mary as a former Virginia paramedic, and Bubba as a Gulf War veteran. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to support law enforcement and first responders.

Sneads Police Chief Brett Preston expressed heartfelt appreciation for their efforts.

“Mary and Bubba are very, very good people,” Preston said. “They made me feel good. I don’t care how many people showed up, the fact that they were there meant the world to me. I mean that genuinely.”

Although rain dampened attendance compared to past years, Preston said the impact was undiminished.

“With what they put on for us, they made me feel, in a time where it’s hard for law enforcement to be supported, that there are people who care about what we do,” he said. “It warmed my heart and made me want to continue doing a better job.”

Chief Preston extended thanks to all who participated, including the American Heroes Motorcycle Association, AirHeart, Sneads Police Department, Sneads Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson County Fire & Rescue, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, ACI’s Canine and Recruitment Unit, and Florida Game and Fish.

While the weather may have kept some away, those who attended enjoyed friendly faces, valuable information, and a shared sense of community pride, proof that even a rainy night can shine when neighbors stand together.