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By: Anne Granado
“My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.” — Sidney Sheldon
Imagine…
Imagine going to work every day and being perceived as a threat to society when it’s your mission to protect it.
Imagine being so disrespected as an officer and human being that people who don’t even know you curse, attack, and spit at you.
Imagine putting on a bulletproof vest to do your job to protect while your own family is missing you, whether children or adults.
Imagine holding a child’s hand who has been in a vehicle accident, keeping her calm while she is being cut out of that vehicle, not knowing what will happen to that child when she arrives at the hospital.
Imagine the nightmares that ensue following a traumatic incident where many lives were lost.
Imagine.
This is the life our law enforcement officers live every day. It angers me when people talk about them in a derogatory manner when the first person they would call if they were in trouble is law enforcement. They should be respected for their service to our communities throughout the United States. Without them, there would be lawlessness surrounding us every day.
When you think of those who put their lives on the line daily, imagine how you would react, live, and do when you return home to your loved ones. Would you be the same person as you are today? First responders are human. They have feelings. They have to do things you and I would never dream of. Respect them, appreciate them, thank them. They are truly there to protect and serve.
May God bless you and yours, and bless our first responders.
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As a young girl, several life experiences drew Kristen Beach towards a life of service. She began her journey in the medical field working for LifeNet, where she developed a true passion for helping people. “Though the job was fulfilling, I always felt I could do more. My firsthand experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of public safety and inspired me to take on a more direct role in ensuring the well-being of those around me,” Kristen says. “This is when I joined the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department. I am currently serving as a Department Patrol Officer/SWAT Medic.”
The day-to-day responsibilities of a police officer can vary depending on factors such as assignment, location, and department policies. However, Kristen has some everyday tasks and duties. First, she patrols assigned areas. “I typically spend a significant portion of my
shifts patrolling neighborhoods, business districts, and other areas to deter crime, enforce laws, and ensure public safety,” Kristen says. “I also respond to emergency calls for service, including reports of crimes, accidents, disturbances, and other incidents. I assess the situation, aid as needed, and take appropriate action to address the situation at hand.”
Kristen also helps conduct investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and documenting her findings in a true and honest manner. This may involve analyzing crime scenes, collecting forensic evidence, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies. In addition, Kristen enforces local, state, and federal laws by issuing citations, making arrests, and apprehending suspects. “I may also conduct traffic stops, enforce traffic laws, and respond to traffic accidents or medical events,” Kristen says. “I also strive to maintain public order and resolve conflicts by mediating disputes, diffusing tense situations, and enforcing laws related to public behavior, such as disorderly conduct or public intoxication.”
In addition, Kristen provides assistance and support to community members by offering information, resources, and referrals to services such as victim support programs, social services, and mental health resources. She documents her activities, observations, and interactions in detailed reports. These reports are used for legal purposes, investigative follow-up, and administrative recordkeeping. Furthermore, she participates in ongoing training and professional development to stay updated on laws, procedures, and technology changes. “This may include firearms training, defensive tactics, legal updates, and specialized skills training,” Kristen says. “I also am a medic on our SWAT Team, so I continuously train for major medical responses such as active shooter, hostage rescue, high-risk search warrants, and armed barricades.”
Kristen considers trying out for SWAT and making the team one of her most significant accomplishments. After earning her spot on the
team, she was tasked with going to paramedic school to become the SWAT medic. “I passed paramedic school and the licensure exam after being on the team for a year, and I have been the tactile paramedic since 2020,” Kristen says. “While responding to calls that also required medical attention, it took a while to learn how to respond while wearing both hats and balancing both responsibilities. However, the officers on this team would do anything for me, and I would do anything for them. Our motto is ‘The strength of the team is each member. The strength of the member is the team.’”
Through her experiences on the team, Kristen says that her eyes have been opened to the “real” world. “Most citizens have no idea what we, as officers, deal with daily. There are bad people in this world. I can remember being in the ambulance, seeing something horrible and thinking that I had no idea what actually goes on,’” Kristen says. “However, we have a lot of outstanding Officers at TAPD, and we do our best to protect the community from the craziness we live in.”
To serve and protect, Kristen and her team know the value of maintaining a positive relationship between the community and law enforcement. Kristen says Texarkana, Arkansas, has a great community support structure. “Ultimately, our officers’ needs are the community’s needs. We live together, work together, and all try to raise families together. We are not different,” Kristen says. “I have made a promise to my community to stay engaged, be transparent, hold them and myself accountable by setting and holding standards, and I will continue to collaborate with the communities I serve to address the problems that are important to them.”
Overall, the responsibilities of a police officer are diverse and demanding, requiring a combination of law enforcement skills, critical thinking abilities, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively serve and protect the community. On the toughest days, Kristen relies on her faith and family to get her through. She is married to Lt. Kyle Beach, is a bonus mom to four kids, and a dog mom to two Golden Retrievers. “I am blessed to have a family that supports me. My husband understands the job that I do firsthand. Having a husband who works in law enforcement makes communicating much easier. He can tell just by the look on my face if we need to talk or just sit in silence,” Kristen says. “The kids are always understanding if an event is missed due
to being stuck at work. I am grateful for the support that I have from my family and friends.”
At the end of the day, Kristen says that every challenge is worth it because she can help people on one of the worst days of their lives. “People do not call for help from the police on their good days,” Kristen says. “It’s very rewarding that we can see people in their worst moments and help calm some of the crazy in their world, even if it is only for a short period.”
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Chick-fil-A, and I always order the chicken sandwich.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is to always treat people respectfully.
My hobbies include teaching tumbling at Revolution Dance Center and working out at Fit 5:22 when I’m not at work.
My dream vacation would be any beach vacation with my family, dogs, and friends because the beach is my favorite place.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to always lock their doors day and night.
Esteban Eduardo Gonzalez has always wanted to find a sense of brotherhood and community involvement, and he saw those qualities through a career in law enforcement. He is currently a patrol officer at the Nash Police Department. “I’ve always had a strong desire to help people and see justice done in my community,” Esteban says. “The most rewarding part of my job would be seeing neighborhood kids excited to see me or any other police officer and wanting to ask questions. Also, being able to actually make a difference in a citizen’s life by helping is very rewarding in my eyes.”
On a regular day, Esteban’s common responsibilities are to enforce all traffic and criminal laws. However, responsibilities can vary depending on the day. “The biggest challenge I face on a day-to-day basis would be making decisions that most citizens would never have to make in their lives. I tell myself that comes with the job, and it will only continue to happen working in this profession,” Esteban says, “However, I know that some of those difficult decision-making moments will be lifesaving decisions at times depending on the circumstances surrounding the situation.”
Esteban says that he feels like there is a misconception among some people that suggests law enforcement officers are only out to get citizens or their money, and he wishes they knew how wrong this is. “We simply do our jobs by upholding all traffic and criminal laws. I understand that we don’t catch all traffic law violations, and we don’t catch every criminal law as well, but we cannot do anything if the citizens don’t call and report the things that we cannot see,” Esteban says. “They must remember that there are more citizens than Police Officers, Deputies, and State Troopers. We won’t always be patrolling to catch a crime being committed because we may be on a call taking a report, on a traffic stop, working a traffic accident, or working a homicide.”
One of the biggest lessons Esteban has learned is that not everyone needs a ticket and not everyone needs to be taken to jail. “Yes, there will be times when I write tickets and take people to jail, but sometimes turning the situation into a life lesson to let people learn from is more rewarding,” Esteban says. “I learned that from a senior officer with years of experience over me.”
The most significant accomplishment in Esteban’s career so far would be the time he solved a
case that brought peace to three different families. “I was able to solve a burglary of habitation case that helped close three more burglaries,” Esteban says. “That has been my biggest accomplishment yet because I was able to help multiple people recover their stolen property and bring them closure.”
On the most challenging days on the job, Esteban is motivated by his family. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Leslie Villalva, since 2021, and they have a beautiful daughter who is now a year and four months old. “My family motivates me. My wife has always been supportive of my career. She always ensures I am feeling good, and when I’m not, she is always there to ensure I’m OK,” Esteban says. “Knowing that what I’m doing is keeping my family and other families safe is what pushes me through the most challenging days.”
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Mooyah, and I always order a Mooyah cheeseburger.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is never taking the job home.
When I’m not at work, my hobbies include hunting, fishing, or cooking out for my family.
My dream vacation would be to go to Greece with my family because of the views and the blue ocean.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to constantly watch your surroundings at all times, and if something doesn’t feel right, just give us a call.
Before Brandon Grubbs joined the Army, he planned on pursuing a career in law enforcement. However, he stayed in the Army for over 20 years. Then, a few years ago, when Brandon was helping his son, Alan, look for law enforcement jobs, his interest was rekindled. “I learned that it is never too late to start a new career,” Brandon says. “Being in law enforcement has a lot of similarities with the military. Both careers focus on teamwork and working for a greater purpose.”
Brandon is a Patrol Deputy with the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office today. “We respond to calls for service, disturbances, animal calls, and thefts. Also, when needed, we enforce traffic laws,” Brandon says. “The most rewarding part of the job is solving problems, whether it is helping someone who needs assistance or arresting a criminal.”
Brandon’s biggest challenge stemmed from his initial integration into shift work, particularly working nights. “Being disciplined about my physical condition and maintaining a schedule has been very helpful,” Brandon says. Plus, it’s all worth it at the end of a shift when we know that we made a difference with each person we came in contact with.”
Brandon has been married for over 31 years, and he says that he could not do this job without his wife, Kim, and her support at home. “After being a military spouse for over 20 years, she willingly supported me in this new career,” Brandon says. “Also, my son Alan is very supportive, and as a Texas Parole Officer, he is a part of the law enforcement community.”
In today’s political climate, Brandon says he strives to keep a good relationship between citizens and law enforcement through listening and respect. “Granted, I am still kind of new at this. However, there are a couple of things that help. First, don’t make a decision until you have all the facts. Second, treat people fairly and with respect,” Brandon says. “Here in Bowie County, we are blessed to have a pro-law enforcement community and leaders who support what we do.”
Overall, Brandon is proud that through this new career change, he has continued to work as a
part of a team to bring greater good to the community. Still, he acknowledges that he could never have gotten this far alone. “This job has really reinforced the importance of faith in God and not relying on my strength,” Brandon says.
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Taste of India.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Have fun.”
My hobbies include working on cars and gardening when I’m not at work.
My dream vacation would be Iceland because of the people, and it is a beautiful country.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to lock their doors and get their pets vaccinated for rabies.
“It isn’t a new lesson for me, but it’s one that I have to relearn often.”
Since he was young, Brad Irvin, the Director of Safety and Chief of Police for the Texarkana ISD Police Department, has always had a heart to serve others. “Law enforcement has always been an interest of mine, and many of my relatives worked in the law enforcement field,” Brad says. “I saw them impacting the Texarkana community and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Brad started his law enforcement career as a Probation Officer at the Bowie County Juvenile Probation Department. However, he has also had the opportunity to work as the Director of Safety at Texarkana Arkansas School District for two years and at Texarkana Independent School District for
19 years. “All students and staff deserve a safe school. If a student feels safe at school, they will have a better learning environment, and if an educator feels safe, they will have a better working environment,” Brad says. “The best part of this job is when you see a student reach their full potential, whether in academics or extracurricular activities, and you know that you had a part in that success. Also, that smile when they cross that graduation stage says it all! If you can make a difference in a child’s life, that is the ultimate reward.”
Currently, Brad oversees 33 employees, including Police Officers, Security Officers, School Marshals, Coordinator of Risk Management, and Administrative Assistant/Dispatcher. “The safety and security of the entire Texarkana ISD School District is my main responsibility and something that I do not take lightly,” Brad says. “I feel that being visible on campuses, interacting with students, and having consistent conversations with school staff help to see where safety changes are needed.”
Brad has many duties as Director of Safety, including planning and directing work methods and safety procedures; managing the development of departmental goals and objectives; supervising daily operations; overseeing investigations for TISD; working cooperatively with other Police Agencies (TTPD, BCSO, WVPD, and Nash PD); and overseeing school zones to ensure traffic runs smoothly in the district. “It can be a challenge ensuring the safety of the students and staff of the entire school district. However, I always say that safety is not just a police department’s issue,” Brad says. “All staff members must be safety conscious and aware at all times, and a school is only as secure as its ‘weakest link.’”
One of Brad’s biggest directives to all safety personnel is to be visible and approachable. “Texarkana citizens, students, staff, and parents will know that you care and are here
to protect all people by positive actions and words,” Brad says. “Most issues can be solved by communication and forming relationships. Law enforcement officers must have frequent, personal, and positive interactions with the community.”
Twenty-plus years in law enforcement have also taught Brad that some things are not always what they seem, so he takes investigations very seriously. He wants to get all the information and lead by trying to get the full story. “Once you investigate a situation, there is always an underlying factor that you did not anticipate initially,” Brad says.
Brad is not alone in his pursuit to keep schools safe. He says that Texarkana ISD has always had the vision and awareness needed to provide all the tools and safety measures the police department needs. “TISD has always done an excellent job in partnering to ensure all schools remain safe,” Brad says. “This would not be possible without the taxpayers passing the last bond, Superintendent Dr. Brubaker, the TISD Board of Trustees, and hard-working police department staff.”
Though he has had a noteworthy career, Brad says getting his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice is his proudest accomplishment. “It was a sentimental moment for me,” Brad says. “My mother passed away from cancer 11 years ago, and getting my Master’s Degree in 2015 was something that she always encouraged and pushed me to achieve. She was always my biggest cheerleader!”
The other encouragers in Brad’s life are both his family and law enforcement mentors. “I have been married for 22 years to my beautiful and talented
wife, Christiane Irvin, and we have two children: Carly (17) and Collin (10),” Brad says. “The family members that guided and supported me through the toughest law enforcement days have been my wife; my mother, Donna Irvin (deceased); my father, James Irvin; my mother-in-law Carmen Tye; my twin brother Brian Irvin, who is a fireman with Texarkana, Arkansas; and my uncle, Randy Haltom, who is a retired TX DPS Agent.”
Though any law enforcement job will have its trials and tribulations, Brad’s specific ability to impact thousands of students daily makes his sacrifices worth it. “What gets me through the hardest days is that I am serving and impacting TISD students. All I have to do is go to one of our great campuses and talk to a student about their school day, extracurricular activities, or family,” Brad says. “It will instantly put a smile on my face!”
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant, and I always order the beef fajitas.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “You won’t know anything about being a police officer until about your fifth year of experience.” Also, “Do what you can, when you can, and don’t worry about the rest.”
My hobbies include hunting, fishing, and enjoying my kids’ activities when not working.
My dream vacation would be staying in a cabin in the Montana wilderness and hunting/fishing.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to always be alert and aware of your surroundings! Our world is a different place than it was years ago.
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After college, Carl Jensen began working for Adult Protective Services, investigating cases in state hospitals, group homes, and at-home health care. The job sparked his interest in law enforcement as he worked to serve and protect vulnerable persons. “While investigating a case of exploitation, I ended up discovering the truth and was able to help the local law enforcement agency convict the suspect,” Carl says. “I got bit by the law enforcement bug that day. I wanted to help protect and bring justice to those who need it.”
Today, Carl is a Deputy with the Little River County Sheriff’s Office, and though his primary responsibility is patrol, no two days are the same. “Some days, I may be moving trees blocking the highways or chasing loose livestock,” Carl says. “But normally, I am patrolling the county, making sure everyone is safe. I walk through schools in Little River County and visit with students. I also stop when I see people who may need assistance on the roads. It isn’t uncommon for me to be seen helping someone change a flat tire or something along those lines.”
The most challenging aspect of Carl’s job is responding to difficult calls and dealing with people on some of the most challenging days of their lives. “I must remember that the people are upset with the situation and not directly at me. Sometimes, people could be having a bad day already, and I could have made it even worse. Some people do not understand that we are here to help everyone involved and keep them safe,” Carl says. “I have to sometimes remind myself that I would probably feel the same way. We are all human, and even on what could be their worst day, I can do my best to make it better or keep them calm.”
After a tough day on the job, Carl is motivated by knowing he makes a difference every day. “I am doing whatever I can to ensure the county’s citizens are safe. It’s gratifying to be able to help people no matter what the situation might be,” Carl says. “I am also married to my biggest supporter, my beautiful and talented wife, Alyssa. She encourages me on the hard days. We have two Australian Shepherds: Sawyer, my baby, and Davis, which is definitely my wife’s dog.”
In the future, Carl hopes to utilize his degree in psychology to provide more in-depth training to law enforcement officers on how to address someone experiencing a mental health crisis. “We need to shine a light on mental health, not only for those first responders but also those we are protecting and serving,” Carl says. “We need more available resources in our area for law enforcement officers who need to learn how to identify people having a mental health crisis and how to get the help they may need to address it.”
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Walk-Ons, and I always order the buffalo chicken wrap.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Be sure you are doing it for the right reason and have your priorities in line.” Sheriff Bobby Walraven told me the day I was hired, “God, family, work.” That has stuck with me ever since. This job has its rough and good days, but it never will love or care for you like your family and God will.
When I’m not at work, my hobbies include playing golf and softball; playing around in the Jeep; and spending time with my wife and dogs.
My dream vacation would be in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest because I am a West Coast kid. I love the scenery up there, and it’s home to the Seattle Mariners.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem legit, then it probably isn’t.
Alan Sanders decided to pursue a career in law enforcement to serve the community, and today, he is a Corporal in the Miller County Sheriff’s Office. “I wanted to help people make better decisions and make a significant difference in the lives of others,” Alan says.
Alan is married to Tatiana Sanders and has three children: Hunter, Ion, and Rachel Sanders. His job as a Corporal includes overseeing daily operations and ensuring that reports are completed on time, but the biggest challenge he faces is not knowing what each day will bring. “We have to be able to
operate in the unknown and be prepared to serve the citizens of Miller County,” Alan says. “However, it’s all worth it when I know I was able to help someone or impact a person’s life who needed it the most.”
Alan’s career in law enforcement has been marked by dedication and growth. Within four years of joining, He earned the title of shift leader, a position of responsibility and trust among his peers. This achievement was a testament to his hard work and commitment. “It was a rewarding experience,” Alan says.
Alan’s commitment to his role as a law enforcement officer is unwavering. He always strives to be professional and polite to the citizens he is hired to protect and serve. He believes in the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. “In this career field, you will never know everything,” Alan says. “I am constantly learning new things to make me a better leader and officer.”
Longhorn Steakhouse is my favorite place to eat in Texarkana, and I always order ribeye steak.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Show everyone the same respect that you expect.”
When I’m not at work, my hobbies include hunting and fishing.
My dream vacation would be going to Alaska because of hunting and fishing.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to always lock their doors.
Thomas Shaddix is a Detective with the Crimes Against Persons division at the Texarkana Texas Police Department, where he investigates a variety of crimes, including assaults, robberies, murders, and sexually motivated crimes. “It is very rewarding to see justice served,” Thomas says. “Seeing families and victims get justice when a guilty sentence is handed down is always great.”
However, Thomas did not always grow up wanting to be in law enforcement. When it came time for Thomas to choose a major in college, he was unsure what he wanted to do, so he turned to his father, Kirby Shaddix, who has always been a supportive and influential person in Thomas’ life. “While discussing
my options and different careers with my father, he asked, ‘Do you want to be a police officer like your Uncle Butch?’ Uncle Butch (Butch Bates) served as a Cass County Deputy for many years, and while he was not actually my blood uncle, I grew up believing he was because of how close his friendship with my father was. I always admired him and his position, and I loved listening to his stories of things he encountered on the job,” Thomas says. “It didn’t take me long to decide that I wanted to be just like Uncle Butch.”
From the very first day Thomas decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, his father has continued to encourage him. “We are very close, and I have made a habit of calling him every day after work,” Thomas says. “He is always interested in my career and is always available to offer suggestions or let me vent.”
By the time Thomas met his wife, Meagan Shaddix, he had already been a police officer for several years. “Meagan has walked through my career with me just as you would expect your partner to. She celebrates with me when I close a big case or receive an award. She laughs with me when I tell her about some of the crazy things that happen at work,” Thomas says. “She has also seen me angry or heartbroken after days on the job when things didn’t go how I wanted. Most importantly, she causes me to want to be the best police officer, husband, and man I can be. I don’t even think she intends to do that; she just has that effect on me.”
On the toughest days in law enforcement, Thomas is motivated by the closure and comfort he can bring families. He recently brought closure to a case that went unsolved for several years. “I was really proud of this one because few cases are solved once a case goes cold. When I was finally able to tell the victim’s family that I had captured the person responsible for the crime, they were so happy. It was an emotional moment for everyone involved, including me,” Thomas says. “There were many challenging days leading up to that moment, but seeing that family’s reaction was worth every second. I will never forget it.”
Besides some of the more dangerous aspects of working in law enforcement, many officers face challenges in the “less glamorous” areas than what people see on their favorite police TV drama. However, Thomas stays focused on what he can do to continue to grow and be successful in his role. “At times, the number of active cases I am assigned to investigate can become cumbersome. Fortunately, I have found that I am surrounded by a group of fantastic investigators who are always willing to offer assistance or guidance,” Thomas says. “I also cannot control the political climate, but I can control how I interact with the citizens of Texarkana. I ensure good relationships by being polite, consistent, and fair when interacting with victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Thomas says that some of the biggest lessons he has learned on the job are about his faith. “During my time in law enforcement, I have encountered a variety of situations that were difficult to deal with, such as unpleasant people, gruesome crime scenes, and heartbreaking tragedies,” Thomas says. “I have learned that a strong relationship with God is the only way to overcome struggles on the job and in my personal life. I strongly recommend that all readers strive to begin and strengthen such a relationship.”
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Longhorn Steakhouse, and I always order the Steakhouse Mac & Cheese.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Every interaction you have with the public may affect their perception of law enforcement for the rest of their lives.”
When I’m not at work, my hobbies include spending time with my wife, watching movies, and playing games.
My dream vacation is going to Iceland because the scenery is so beautiful.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to carefully consider the people you allow into your life. It is so important to know who you allow to come into your home, associate with you, or have access to your family. Be very selective with such people; wolves often wear sheep’s clothing.
Determining how to address substance abuse and addiction among your beneficiaries can be a sensitive and difficult decision
Planning to pass down your legacy often requires you to address difficult questions and make hard choices. One of the most challenging topics to consider is substance abuse, and, more specifically, how your plan will function if a child or grandchild develops a drug or alcohol addiction.
For families with a history of substance abuse, this can be a core consideration when drafting documents.
Trusts, trustees and discretion
The topic of substance abuse usually comes up when deciding how to structure an inheritance. Significant inheritances are almost always structured in the form of a trust, which offers important legal and tax protections to the beneficiary.
In recent decades and especially among wealthy families, trusts have become increasingly discretionary, with authority granted to the trustee or some other fiduciary to make decisions about the amount and timing of distributions to beneficiaries.
Depending upon the circumstances, the trustee’s discretion in making distributions may be either absolute or limited by specific standards, such as making distributions for the “health, education, maintenance and support” of a beneficiary. It is usually in this context that the issue of a beneficiary’s possible substance abuse is considered.
Why you might exclude specific provisions
Some may argue that as long as a trustee has sufficiently broad discretion to make and withhold distributions, there’s no need for specific substance abuse provisions. This school of thought maintains that if a trustee can reasonably withhold distributions from a beneficiary with an active drug or alcohol problem and make distributions to get a beneficiary into a treatment program, specific language about substance abuse isn’t required.
In this view, express provisions on substance abuse might wrongly stigmatize the beneficiaries, suggesting a problem is present where none exists. Supporters of this view also point to the potentially negative consequences of treating a child who is struggling with an addiction problem differently in a planning document than their siblings.
However, there’s strong resistance to the view that trustee discretion is sufficient to address substance abuse problems among beneficiaries.
Some believe that trustees and other fiduciaries will be unlikely to cut off distributions to a trust beneficiary with an addiction problem, fearing long-term disputes and litigation. Even professional trustees such as banks, trust companies, attorneys and accountants may be hesitant to forcefully intervene with a substance-abusing trust beneficiary. Indeed, some professional fiduciaries may be hesitant to act as a fiduciary at all for a beneficiary with a known addiction problem.
Moreover, many fiduciaries – whether professionals or loved ones – may have little knowledge of treatment options for different kinds of substance abuse. For example, a trustee selected for their financial acumen or family knowledge may have no understanding of how to deal with opiate addiction in a 20-year-old beneficiary residing in another state. For these and other reasons, clients wh o are sensitive to drug and alcohol addiction in their families often insist on seeing express provisions in their planning documents that address these issues.
Provisions can vary widely and range from relatively simple to very detailed, but here are a few commonly used features:
• The existence of dependence or addiction: A definition is given to conduct constituting substance abuse, establishing how it will be evaluated. The trustee is often given discretion to determine whether the beneficiary’s substance abuse has had consequences that could lead to actual harm to the beneficiary or their assets.
• The requirement of testing: If substance abuse is suspected, the trustee may request or require the beneficiary to undergo testing to qualify for distributions. Consent to disclose test results to the trustee is usually required to resume distributions.
• Suspension of discretionary and mandatory distributions: Until test results are received, and in the event of adverse findings, the trustee may be directed or authorized to withhold distributions from the beneficiary. These may be discretionary distributions (requiring the exercise of discretion by the trustee) or mandatory distributions (such as requirements that certain amounts be paid out upon the beneficiary attaining specified ages).
• Treatment: Substance abuse provisions often authorize or require a beneficiary to enter or complete a treatment or counseling program before distributions may resume. Trustees may (understandably) be given wide latitude to determine what constitutes successful completion of a treatment program.
Substance abuse provisions are often expected to be automatic or self-triggering, but this is rarely the case. Provisions usually require a fiduciary to make a number of very difficult determinations that may fall outside their area of expertise. Does a beneficiary have a drug or alcohol problem? Has the problem risen to the level that it has a negative impact on the beneficiary’s life, occupation or family? How should the topic be raised with the beneficiary, and how should testing requirements be presented? What treatment options should be considered? What determines if treatment was successful?
“Who’s the decision-maker?”
Whether or not a planning document contains detailed provisions on the subject of substance abuse, the most important question is always “Who is the decision-maker?” Planning protections for a beneficiary facing addiction are only as strong as the individual or group charged with administering their trust. Any legal structure may lead to good or bad results, depending upon the willingness of the decision-maker to engage with the beneficiary, obtain professional advice and remain involved.
Deciding who will serve as the decision-maker can be a daunting task. Many families don’t have a single individual with the knowledge and disposition to act as fiduciary for a person with a substance abuse problem. Families may find it necessary to assemble a “committee,” drawing from legal counsel, financial advisors, treatment professionals and others to be the joint decision-makers for family members struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
In spite of these challenges, any concerns you may have on the subject of substance abuse and addiction should be raised openly in planning discussions with your financial advisor, attorney and other planning professionals. Open communication will help lead to a more thoughtful plan that reflects what matters most to you.
Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of Raymond James and are subject to change.>
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Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange / SIPC, and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, are subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Raymond James® and Raymond James Financial® are registered trademarks of Raymond James Financial, Inc.
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is proud to partner with Texarkana Emergency Center in an effort to remove unused and out of date prescription medicines from your homes.
•It is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications from the homes of our citizens.
•It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed, or where you reside.
•We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas.
•We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove the label if you desire but it’s not necessary.
•We ask that you do not deposit needles (sharps), inhalers, medication from businesses or clinics, ointments, lotions, liquids, aerosol cans, hydrogen peroxide, or thermometers.
One box has been placed behind the Bi State Justice Building at 100 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, Arkansas and another outside the Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Rd., Texarkana, Texas. These boxes are regularly checked and the contents are immediately packaged for destruction. If you would like to personally drop your medications off to law enforcement, you can at the Miller County Sheriff’s Office on East Street and Bi State Justice Building in Texarkana.
You can learn more about this program by visiting www.artakeback.org or on Facebook by searching Arkansas Take Back or Arkansas Drug take Back.
By: Suzie Tyler
I can tell you it is dominating our world.
A QR Code (short for “Quick Response”) is a barcode that contains data that can be read by a phone’s camera. Most smartphones come equipped with software that allows them to download a QR Code reader.
When I went to New York, I quickly saw that these codes were taking over! My digital boarding pass was downloaded as a QR Code to my iPhone digital wallet. There was no paper boarding pass. I showed it from my iPhone to board the plane in Dallas and New York.
Didn’t know you had a digital wallet? Well, if you have a cell phone, you do. I think all phones come with a wallet. If you use Apple Pay, you use your iPhone Apple app in your wallet!
At Karmyn’s NYU graduation, each of the 700 students had been given a QR code downloaded to their cell phone. They showed it on the Radio City Music Hall stage to one of the faculty members who called out their name.
I’m not one to pass up an opportunity to learn new things, and now I’ve been exposed to how important they are! I’m so proud of myself for being proactive in this new world of technology and for learning how to maneuver in it.
As one of the members of the older generation, we are introduced to so many new terms! Some of my older friends say, “I’m not going to learn that! I refuse.” I say, “Well, you will get left behind, wandering alone in the dark.”
We are quickly becoming a cashless society. Some stores will not take cash to pay for a purchase.
Have you ever tried to use cash at a self-checkout? Forget it! It will take it, but it is nerve-shattering! You put in two twenty-dollar bills for a $32.13 purchase and hope AI’s program will return the correct change. I don’t even like those chutes at the bank. I’m always afraid it will lose my money in the pipeline! What if the electricity goes off after I press send?
The techy world is moving so fast that I get an education daily! I guess it helps my cognitive memory skills stay alert.
Karmyn set me up a TikTok account so I can see videos of Maddie, but I still need to learn to make a video myself.
I have had the equipment, camera, lighting, and microphone to do a podcast for three years. I even copyrighted a podcast name, but I’m still scared to enter unknown waters. Maybe someday! Lol!
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon Author page.
Over the last six years, I have been taking a couple of fly rods with me when we travel, and it has been great. It is easy to pack fishing stuff if you go about it with a minimalist attitude. I take a couple of 4-piece rods, one reel, a leader, some tippet material, and flys appropriate for where we are going. You really cannot take waders and boots, a net, or a big bag, but you can take what you really need to fish just about anywhere. You can fish bass, trout, bream, and other species, adding another layer of enjoyment to your trip. Most places have ponds or creeks that are fishable. Facebook pages and websites are dedicated to “urban fishing,” which can help you pick your fishing spot. A piece of advice...Be careful not to “just fish,” as your spouse will ban you from fishing on trips.
HAVEN
BINGO @ TXK
LIVE AT THE GALLERY @ 1894 GALLERY
LIBRARY NATURE EXPLORER’S WEEK @ TEXARKANA, AR RECREATION CENTER (July 8-12) SECERT AGENT’S WEEK @ TEXARKANA, AR RECREATION CENTER (July 15-19)
WALL CAMP @ TRACH (July 16-18)
ANGLER’S FAMILY FISHING DAY @ BOBBY FERGUSON PARK
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903-277-5771
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