Volume 17 Number 01
FALL-WINTER HIGHLIGHTS
Behind The BADGE
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT FROM THE SHERIFF
Christmas in the Community
DSO Graduation
Quarterly Awards
Special Resolutions
Jonathan’s Place Donation
VIN Etching
New Bailiffs
Retirements
Deputy Rolando Salas
State Flag Presentation
Announcements
Stay Informed:
Dallas.Sheriff.Dept
@dallas_sheriff www.dallas-sheriff.com
2016 was a great year for the Sheriff’s Department. Our department saw the addition of new employees as well as some promotions for current employees. We celebrated with long-term employees on their retirements. Our department also mourned the loss of our current and retired employees that unexpectedly passed away. We concluded 2016 by successfully partnering with T.O.R.I. to provide gifts for 200 families at our Christmas in the Community event. At the beginning of 2017, our department recognized over 200 employees for their years of service, promotions, and meritorious conduct in 2016. As I always say, the Sheriff’s Department has the best employees. We enjoy honoring your contributions through the quarterly awards ceremony. The next awards ceremony is tentatively set for April 2017. I look forward to all the events to come and anticipate 2017 being another successful year for the Sheriff’s Department.
Antique Auction The Dallas County Tax Assessor, John Ames, along with his staff and representatives from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson stopped by on January 18th to preview an antique auction being overseen by the Dallas County Sheriff's Civil-Writ Enforcement Section. The Sheriff's Department works closely with the Tax Office to manage the seizure and sale of property on behalf of Dallas County. The auction featured most of the property inside an antique store and netted $25,228.00.
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Christmas in the Community On Saturday, December 17, 2016, the Dallas County Sheriff's Department held our annual Sheriff's Christmas in the Community event. The Sheriff's Department partnered with T.O.R.I. (Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative) to provide gifts for 200 children on behalf of their incarcerated parents and grandparents. This year's event was held at DART Police Headquarters in Dallas. Attendees played games, had their face painted, and were also treated to food. A special program featured brief speeches from the Sheriff Valdez, T.O.R.I., DART, and guest speaker Chris Arnold from the Dallas Mavericks organization. Santa Claus also made a special appearance and took photos with attendees.
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DSO Graduation Congratulations to Detention Service Officer Class 297 that graduated on November 18, 2016. 20 new officers were welcomed to the department after completing a four-week basic correctional officer course.
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Jonathan’s Place Christmas Donation In December, the Sheriff’s Department delivered repaired bicycles and new helmets to Jonathan’s Place, a shelter for neglected and abused children in Dallas. The bikes were donated to us by Bike Mart in Richardson. Trek also made an $800 contribution for new helmets! The bikes were needed and the shelter was very happy to receive them! We have offered to repair the donated items in our bike program, which is part of the Inmate Programs division. The officers in the pictures are DSO John Richardson and DSO Roy Love both with Inmate Programs. Thank you to Bike Mart and Trek for helping us bring these special presents to Jonathan’s Place! Special thanks to Chief Blaise Mikulewicz who helped connect the Sheriff’s Department with Trek and Richardson Bike Mart.
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VIN Etching The North Texas Auto Theft Task Force (NTATTF) held a VIN etching on November 16, 2016 at Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center. VIN etching is the process of acid stenciling your vehicle’s 17-digit identification number onto the window glass of the vehicle. By having the identification number placed on additional parts of your vehicle, thieves who might want to change the identity will be deterred knowing they will also have to change out all the windows in addition to the dashboard VIN plate. This is an investment most thieves will not make. Thank you to NTATTF for performing this service free of charge and helping deter car theft.
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Lt. Michelle Washington Resolution Lt. Michelle Washington was named Law Enforcement Employee of the Year for Dallas County on December 20, 2016 in Commissioners Court. Congratulations Lt. Washington and thank you for all of your hard work.
Captain David Mitchell Resolution Captain David Mitchell of the North Texas Auto Theft Task Force was recognized on January 17, 2017 in Commissioners Court for his 30 years of service to the Dallas County Sheriff's Department. Captain Mitchell retired from our department at the end of January. Thank you to Commissioner Theresa Daniel for sponsoring this Court resolution. Congratulations to Captain Mitchell on this special recognition and we thank him for his many years of exemplary service to the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.
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State Flag Presentation Prior to the 77th Legislature, state law did not provide for the presentation of the state flag to the family of a deceased peace officer. House Bill 815 amended the Government Code to provide that the next of kin of a deceased Texas peace officer may receive on request a state flag from the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCOLE). Sheriff Valdez presented the state flag of Texas to the families of Sr. Sgt. Benjamin Lancaster Jr., Deputy William S. Dittman, and Deputy Rolando Salas on January 30, 2017 to honor the service of these esteemed Sheriff’s Department peace officers.
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Swearing-In of New Bailiffs Sheriff Valdez welcomed two new bailiffs, Jeff Troutman (former Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputy and City of Coppell Police Officer) and William Travis (Former Denton County Sheriff), on January 31, 2017.
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New ASC Facility in Desoto Sheriff Valdez and representatives from the Sheriff's Department participated in the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Dallas County's new Automotive Service Center on January 10, 2017. This new facility is located in Desoto and sits on 4.7 acres covering 10,400 square feet. There are seven service bays, office and storage space, a car wash and fueling station. The Sheriff's Department and other Dallas County departments will service their county vehicles at this facility.
Downed Officer Kit Donation The Dallas County Sheriff's Department would like to thank Resource One Credit Union for donating 200 tactical medical kits. Resource One presented the kits on December 12, 2016 at their branch in Mesquite. The kits contain life saving equipment such as tourniquets, bandages, and surgical tape. They will be utilized by the officers in our traffic and warrant divisions.
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Quarterly Awards Ceremony The Sheriff’s Department honored over 200 employees at its quarterly awards ceremony on January 27, 2017. Employees were recognized for years of service, promotions, and meritorious conduct. The Green County Sheriff’s Department and a number of Sheriff’s Department officers were recognized for their response after the July 7, 2016 shootings that killed one DART officer and four Dallas Police officers. Captain David Mitchell was also recognized for chairing the awards ceremony the last three years. Congratulations to all of the award recipients and we thank you for your continued service to the Sheriff’s Department.
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Vault Program– Managing with Metrics The Vault Department recently started an employee recognition program in order to recognize superior performance. Dorothea Simon, the Vault Manager, and the three Vault Supervisors started the program by first identifying key performance metrics. The key areas of performance focus are: Cash & Property errors, Safety accidents, and Inmate complaints. Issues are tracked as they occur with the goal of identifying what happened and taking necessary steps to prevent the issue from happening again. Dorothea Simon mentioned she is happy with the progress the department is showing. She communicated to employees that a pizza lunch at the end of calendar Q1 2017 is dependent upon a consecutive three months of no incidents for all categories. The 4th Quarter 2016 award winners recognized for going beyond the call of duty were Pamela Nixon, Samuel Zacharia, and Ashleigh Williams. All three were presented a Sheriff’s Office stocking cap as an award winner and given a certificate of achievement award signed by Executive Chief Deputy Jessie Flores. Congratulations to the Vault Department for their efforts at improving department performance and recognizing those employees who have gone beyond the call of duty.
Thailand Visitors Our Inmate Programs Division hosted visitors from Thailand in October 2016. Due to large amounts of poppy farms in Thailand, the product is sold to make heroin. This allows the drug to be readily available to children as young as ten-years-old. Our Thailand guests came to observe re-entry programs because in their country “recovery programs” do not exist. They work for the Narcotics Control Board and will provide a summary of their report to their government. They visited the APAA (Association of Persons Affected by Addiction) recovery pod at the Kays Tower jail facility. Dr. Smith from APAA works in partnership with Dr. Calloway from UNT on the latest treatments and information on substance abuse. Thank you to Inmate Programs Director Yolanda Lara Reyna and the APAA staff for hosting these special visitors.
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Patricia Williams– 35 Years Strong On Thursday February 2, 2017 DSO Patricia Williams (2nd Watch/North Tower Jail) celebrated 35 years of employment with the Dallas County Sheriffs Department. She was thrilled and excited to be visited by Chief Jesse Herrera, who also recently celebrated his 35th year. Both began their employment together and shared memories of their early years working together, while enjoying cake and ice cream. Congratulations and best wishes to both!
FBI Academy Sheriff’s Department graduates of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia gathered together for a group photo on January 27, 2017. The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. From Right to left: Chief Deputy Jesse Herrera, Assistant Chief Deputy Jason Hartgraves, Assistant Chief Deputy Patrick Bonner, Captain Don Rowe, Lieutenant Rufino Salas, Captain Shelia Carter-Bass, Captain Shelley Knight, and Captain Christol Turner.
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Captain David Mitchell Retirement The Sheriff’s Department would like to thank Captain David Mitchell for his 30 years of service. Captain Mitchell retired on January 31, 2017 and received a retirement certificate from Sheriff Valdez as well as a special gift from Chief Garza.
Career Day at Tosh Elementary Detention Service Officers Garcia and Singleton from Inmate Programs took the Sheriff's Department Hummer to Tosh Elementary School in Mesquite. The officers attended a career day for first graders. The students loved getting inside the Hummer and talking with the officers. Thank you DSO Garcia and DSO Singleton for representing the Sheriff's Department and spending time with these students.
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In Memory of Rolando Salas Deputy Rolando Salas #487 passed away on November 27, 2016 at the age of 46. Deputy Salas was a 27year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department and was assigned to the Court Services section as a bailiff. He was laid to rest on December 1, 2016 in Arlington. Deputy Salas is survived by his wife and two sons as well as numerous family members including his brothers Roel and Rufino who are lieutenants with the Sheriff’s Department. Thank you Deputy Salas for your service to the Sheriff’s Department.
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SAT Scholarship Recipient Kevin Warner Vance, son of Deputy Michael D. Vance (Bailiff/Court Services), is the recipient of a scholarship from the Sheriff’s Association of Texas. Kevin is studying Art Technology at University of TexasDallas. Sheriff Valdez presented Kevin with the scholarship on December 19, 2016.
Eric Murray Retirement Detective Eric Murray (Criminal Investigation Section) retired from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department with more than 23 years of service. A retirement party was held for Detective Murray in October. Sheriff Valdez presented him with a special Sheriff’s star and his retirement certificate. Detective Murray also received special recognition from the Criminal Investigation Section.
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BNSF Train Ride Sheriff's Department employees including the Sheriff, executive staff, deputies, and detention service officers took part in a special event on October 25, 2016. The BNSF Railway hosted the Law Enforcement Express and invited law enforcement personnel from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Thank you to BNSF for hosting this special event and acknowledging the law enforcement personnel in our area.
Ed and Carmen Clark Ed and Carmen Clark celebrated 49 years of marriage on November 18, 2016. They met while working for the Eastman Kodak Processing plant in Honolulu, Hawaii. Supposedly it wasn’t love at first sight, but instead 3rd or 4th sight! They are planning something special for their 50th celebration with family and friends later this year. Ed has been with the Sheriff’s Department Photo Lab for 12 years and Carmen marked 10 years working in the Vault this past December. Congratulations to Ed and Carmen!
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Sheriff’s Department Merchandise
Square Bzness Engraved Handcuffs and Pens Contact DSO Marcela McConnell at (917)-536-5634 or squarebzness@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing engraved handcuffs or pens. Smith & Wesson handcuffs laser engraved with one officer name and badge number are $60. They are available in black melonite or nickel finish and have fingeractivated double-locks. This price is for new Smith & Wesson handcuffs only. The specialty pen is priced at $20. It can be personalized with one officer name and badge number engraved. Any special engraving requests can also be addressed to DSO McConnell who will provide the pricing.
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Healthy Living
Do Healthy Foods
Amazing Health Facts
Resemble the Body Parts
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heart and blood. And like the human heart, the tomato is red and has four chambers!
A slice of carrot looks much like the pupil, iris, and radiating lines of the human eye. Of course, science has demonstrated that carrots improve eye function.
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Tomatoes are a Super Food for the
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Celery and rhubarb look just like bones, and each helps bone strength. Bones are 23 percent sodium, and so are celery and rhubarb! If you don’t have sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body!
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A shelled walnut looks like a brain, with a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums, lower cerebellums, and even the wrinkles and folds of the neo-cortex! We now know that walnuts are great brain food.
. . . . . Kidney beans were named thus because they look so much like the human organ, and they actually do help heal the kidneys and maintain their function!
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Grapes hang in heart-shaped clusters and look like blood cells. Research today shows that grapes are indeed a profound heart—and blood-vitalizing food.
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Announcements DEATHS November 11, 2016 - Leroy Smith, the father of DSO Beverly Brown-Martin (North Tower/2nd Watch) passed away. November 25, 2016– Birmond D. Turner, the grandfather of Selma Littles (DMU Intake/1st Watch) passed away. November 27, 2016– Deputy Rolando Salas #487 passed away at the age of 46. November 29, 2016- Lois Frances Wilson, the mother of Deputy Jeff Wilson (Warrants Execution Section) passed away. December 8, 2016– Cynthia D. Echols, sister of DSO Marcus Oatman (Release/2nd Watch) and sister-inlaw of DSO Sherri Oatman (North Tower/2nd Watch), passed away. December 13, 2016– Tenisha Burleson-Jones, former employee who previously worked in the Vault section, passed away. December 13, 2016- John Anthony Jones, the brother of DSO Shelia Holman #6630 (Kays Tower/1st Watch), passed away. December 21, 2016– Chacko Kunjappy, the father of DSO Thomas Kunjappy (Mailroom) passed away. January 5, 2017– Eugene Wilson, a member of the Sheriff’s Posse Unit, passed away. January 6, 2017– Terry Vaughn, the brother of Deputy Robert Vaughn #1016 (Livestock) passed away. January 9, 2017– James Feaster, the father of DSO Katrina Feaster (Gill-Hernandez/2nd Watch), passed away. January 15, 2017– Juanita Brown, the grandmother of Shavonne Rabb (Vault Section/3rd Watch) passed away at the age of 86.
Dallas County Sheriff’s Department 133 N. Riverfront Blvd. LB-31 Dallas, Texas 75207-4313
January 20, 2017– Lula Thomas, the sister of Cozella and Ida Hill, (DMU Section/2nd Watch) passed away. January 23, 2017– Oscar Lee Dunn Sr., the father of DSO Tanedra Dunn (Central Intake/2nd Watch) passed away. January 24, 2017– Jessie Allen, the grandmother of DSO Lisa Crane (Court Desk) passed away. January 25, 2017– Jerry Prince Aven, the father of Deputy Fary Lynn Aven (Bailiff/Court Services) and the grandfather of Deputy Gary Daniel Aven (Bailiff/Court Services), passed away. January 29, 2017– Dorothy Wilson, the sister of Gertrude Sommers (Vault Supervisor) passed away. January 29, 2017– Edith Lucille Praytor, the mother of Carolyn “Sue” Praytor (Communications Technician) passed away. Please remember to keep these families in your prayers. ANNOUNCEMENTS October 26, 2016– DSO Marilyn Jirani (Detention Support Services/Cook Chill) welcomed her baby daughter Kaitleen Jirani at Medical City on October 26th. December 12, 2016– Deputy Katrina Caldwell (Traffic Division) and her husband Varrence Minor welcomed their baby daughter Khari Ajaya Minor on December 12th. Congratulations to the parents on their blessed arrivals!
For submission of a newsletter item:
For the latest updates:
Sheriffmedia@dallascounty.org
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Melinda.Urbina@dallascounty.org