Behind The Badge July 2012 by Dallas County Sheriff's Department

Volume 12 Number 6 CORPORATE CHALLENGE JULY 2012

Behind The BADGE DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

FROM THE SHERIFF I would like to commend everyone for making the Sheriff’s Association of Texas Conference in Dallas a great success. Everything, from the pre-planning to the hosting, the jail tours, to the transporting of sheriffs’ families ran smoothly. There were nothing but positive things to say about the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. Thank you for helping us be great hosts to over a thousand people from across the state. - Sheriff Lupe Valdez Inside this issue: 

About Chief Mikulewicz



“Kids & Cops” Update



Sheriff’s Association of Texas Conference



“Watch Your Car” Campaign



2012: Corporate Challenge



Employee Recognitions



Team Wellness



Volunteer Opportunities



Retirements

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Welcome Chief Blaise Mikulewicz

Pictured above: Chief Blaise Mikulewicz is sworn in by Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Chief Blaise Mikulewicz (pronounced mic-a-lev-its), who will oversee the detentions administration, brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He most recently served as chief deputy for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office where he provided a wide variety of professional, administrative, organizational and supervisory duties. He oversaw the department’s daily operations and participated in long and short range planning for patrol, investigative and the correctional facilities. Prior to that, Chief Mikulewicz served a 23-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mikulewicz received his appointment to the FBI as a Special Agent on July 25, 1988 and was assigned to the Billings Montana Resident Agency, Butte Division, where he worked Government Reservation Crimes from 1988 until 1993. During this time period, Mikulewicz worked on the Cheyenne and Crow Indian Reservations primarily investigating homicides, aggravated sexual assaults, crimes against children, fugitives, kidnappings, extortions and bank robberies. MORE ON PAGE 7

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Message from the sheriff to all current “Kids and Cops” participants: As you may know, the “Kids and Cops” program was established to help foster a relationship between law enforcement officials and the community. The latest edition of collectable cards released last fall featured 29 Dallas Sheriff’s Department employees who made a commitment to the program. This is a reminder of the outlined requirements. The application mandated all selected members would attend a minimum of 12 card signing events throughout the year. In order to ensure you meet these requirements, participants are asked to update their contact information by August 15, 2012. 

Please submit your contact information (phone number or most frequently checked email) to Deputy Janet Curry-Finn by Aug. 15, 2012. Email: janet.curry@dallascounty.org, Office: 214-653-3457. Deputy Finn will send a list of upcoming events you can attend.

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In addition, Sheriff Valdez requires a monthly report of your involvement, which should also be emailed to Deputy Curry.

Aside from last October’s National Night Out event, overall member participation has been below minimal. An upcoming opportunity is the 2012 Corporate Challenge, opening ceremony Fri. Aug. 17, 2012. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

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Destination Dallas Over 1,000 people took part in this year’s Texas Sheriff’s Association Conference hosted at the Anatole Hotel in downtown Dallas. The event, which took place July 21 through July 24, included sheriffs from across the state which had the opportunity to see firsthand how the seventh largest jail in the nation functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Jail tours offered an inside look at the mental health unit inside the West Tower, one of the largest of its kind; as well as the direct supervision housing offered at Kays Tower; and the intake process which books as many as 300 people a day. The gracious volunteer work of several Dallas Sheriff’s Department employees made it possible to host and provide the sheriffs’ family with an enjoyable time also. Overall, the conference was an economic boost for North Texas. Some of the planned activities included visits to Six Flags, Cowboys Stadium as well as NRH20 Waterpark. Among some of the latest law enforcement training, attendees were introduced to new technology and equipment on display during the vendors’ fair at the conference. There was also some laid back time, which included a celebrity stop from “Mayberry’s famous Deputy Barney Fife” who shared lots of laughs with the crowd. On behalf of Sheriff Lupe Valdez and the rest of her executive staff, thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the conference such a memorable and pleasant experience. A special thanks to Captain David Mitchell who never skipped a beat with his assistance throughout the entire conference. The captain and Mrs. Mitchell were so helpful to attendees trying to navigate through the huge conference venue.

Captain Mitchell is deputized by “Barney”.

Jail tour stop at the West Tower. The group gets a look at the inmates artwork.

One of several conference workshops at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas.

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July: Watch Your Car Campaign

The North Texas Auto Theft Task Force joined several other area regional agencies to promote the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority’s (ABTPA) “Watch Your Car” Campaign on July 2, 2012. Statistics show that July is when most vehicle thefts and burglaries occur in Texas. In fact, a vehicle crime is committed across the state every two minutes. The awareness campaign is to encourage drivers to “think like a thief” and not leave their keys or any visible valuable possessions in an unattended car, especially in the summer heat. “Hide belongings, Take keys, Lock doors.” As part of the campaign, the North Texas Auto Theft Task Force provided free VIN # etching at several locations across Dallas County during the month of July. Such service can help qualify drivers for an auto insurance discount.

2012 Corporate Challenge...Game On!

Change up your workout routine for a 10-week alternative benefiting our Special Special Olympian Bryan Blanton Olympian Bryan Blanton! Join the fun with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department! The Richardson Corporate Challenge is an Olympic style competition where Dallas County employees, contract employees and retirees can take part in as many of the 29 sporting competitions listed on the calendar. Not into sports? You can still help #TeamDCSD by attending the opening ceremony on Fri. Aug. 17, 2012. There will be a 1-mile walk and tailgate fun. The team gets points for everyone who shows up to support, so bring all your family and friends, along with lots of energy. Buy a team T-shirt for $12 and/or participate in the Sept. 1, 2012 GREAT RIDE for all you motorcyclists.

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Corporate Challenge 2012 Sun

Mon

AUG. 12

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

18 VOLLEYBALL

17 Opening Ceremony! Tailgate

VOLLEYBALL

PUNT, PASS & KICK

DODGEBALL

DODGEBALL BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL

SEPT. 1st

BASKETBALL

TENNIS

LABOR DAY!

HORSESHOES

TEXAS HOLD’EM

KICKBALL

KICKBALL BIKE RIDE

SOCCER

GOLF

GOLF 5K RUN

MINI GOLF

MINI GOLF FLAG FOOTBALL FLAG FOOTBALL FLAG FOOTBALL FLAG FOOTBALL BADMINTON BADMINTON

BADMINTON SWIMMING

TABLE TENNIS

Oct. 1

SOFTBALL

DOMINOES

DARTS

BASS FISHING

BILLIARDS

THE GREAT RIDE!

SOFTBALL

DARTS

BILLIARDS

BOWLING

WOMEN’S 3X3 BASKETBALL

20 19 CLOSING CEREMONY

Log on to the interactive map at http://www.cor.net/cc/calendar.html You can find out the evening times and locations of each event. Remember, even if you don’t play, come cheer the teams on and the team earns spirit points! $12 T-shirts Please contact Deputy Limones or Deputy Hines at 214.653.2601 or by email at lhines@dallascounty.org for more information.

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Employee Spotlight Sandra Chambers Dallas Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Employee of the Month June 2012

Ms. Sandra Chambers is the section clerk for the Court Services Section. Her duties include the handling of all incoming and outgoing correspondence for court services, answering the phones, handling all filing for the section and keeping the section personnel supplied with their office needs. Though, things can sometimes get hectic, Ms. Chambers keeps things flowing as smoothly as possible. She is very dependable and can always be counted on to assist in any way she can, often taking on extra responsibility. Her work ethic is commendable always. Ms. Chambers began her career with Dallas County in February 2006.

DSO Michael English Scenario Instructor Detention Service Officer of the Year Award

Detention Service Officer Michael English was awarded as the Scenario Instructor Detention Service Officer of the Year at the Crisis Intervention Training Appreciation Lunch on July 28. CONGRATULATIONS!

Volunteer Opportunity The Gun Range is looking for volunteers who have a background in masonry/ bricklaying as well as volunteers to install a drip irrigation system in a flowerbed. Any employee interested contact the range at 972-225-4590. Like the Ken Mitchum Firearms Range page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ken-Mitchum-Firearms-Range/265619876865659

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Chief Blaise Mikulewicz FROM PAGE 1 Mikulewicz was subsequently transferred to the Miami Division in 1993 and was assigned to a squad working Asian, Italian and Russian Organized Crime and other large-scale narcotics matters. In 1996, Mikulewicz was promoted to a Supervisory Special Agent position at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to provide management and oversight for a newly created unit focusing on various Domestic Terrorism matters until 1999. In 1999, Mikulewicz was transferred to the Dallas Division as the Supervisory Special Agent of the Domestic Terrorism Squad during which time he played a significant role in the FBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to expand the North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force. In May 2000, Mikulewicz was given the responsibility of supervising a multiagency High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force which targeted large-scale narcotics groups within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Under the supervision of Mikulewicz, this HIDTA Task Force was recognized for its efforts and received several regional Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) awards, as well as two national awards from the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), HIDTA. Mikulewicz was promoted to the rank of Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Dallas Division of the FBI in 2005 and provided Executive Management for Supervisors, Special Agents, Task Force Officers and support personnel working various criminal matters. He directed the day-to-day operations for multiple Drug and Violent Crime Task Forces located within the Dallas Division. He also developed an intelligence collection program to target sophisticated criminal enterprises while managing the dissemination of appropriate threat assessments and intelligence products to local, state and federal agencies. He was instrumental in securing FBI Headquarters approval and funding for the creation of a multi-agency Task Force specifically designed to target Drug Cartels and other border related violence. Chief Mikulewicz, 53, was born in Phoenix. After receiving his early education in Prescott, Arizona, he attended the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where he earned a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Forestry Multiple Resource Management in 1981. He went on to work for the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Mikulewicz left the BIA in 1984 to pursue a career in law enforcement and served as a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department prior to entering the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Mikulewicz and his wife Wendy have four children. They have been married 28 years.

The life savers are coming. Stay tuned for more details on interdepartmental competitions, a calendar of workout events and fitness video links you can do to stay active. If you have a kinesiology degree, are a certified fitness instructor, we want to know, or just want to get involved contact Capt. Lolley @ 214.712.5061 or Thomas.Lolley@dallascounty.org

CORPORATE CHALLENGE OPPORTUNITY $20 entry fee. All proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Ride starts @ Bass Pro Shop in Garland and will end in Richardson. Contact Deputy Hines or Deputy Limones 214.653.2601

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Happy Retirement Officer Joseph Charles Mental Health Officer Joseph Charles bids farewell to the Dallas Sheriff’s Department after 29 years of service. Dozens of co-workers from the detentions side as well as Parkland medical staff, retired colleagues, friends and family attended the his retirement celebration on July 31. Several colleagues reflected on the exemplary character Charles portrays day in and day out. A former supervisor reflected on the changed man he saw Charles evolve into from his early days at the sheriff’s department. DSO Varghese Ninan performed a spiritual tune with his guitar as everyone else sang along. Charles plans to embrace his spiritual calling in the next chapter of his life. He has already preached his first sermon and serves as outreach director of his church. In the future, he says he plans to launch his own nonprofit organization in memory of his two daughters. Officer Charles’ work family wishes him nothing but the best!

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Announcements

Shoppers’ Corner Corporate Challenge T-shirt

BIRTHS July 18, 2012: Intake 3rd Watch Detention Service Officer Tony Hernandez, and his wife Maria became the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy. Baby Nicholas Hernandez was born at 8:57 p.m. at 19.4 inches, weighing in at 6 lbs.12oz.. Congratulations to the Hernandez Family!

$12 T-shirts

GET WELL Mrs. Linda Johnson, Clerk-5 of DMU, recently underwent surgery at Methodist Hospital. She is doing well. DEATHS

Support the 2012 Corporate Challenge

July 5, 2012: Doris Jennings, grandmother of DSO D. Reese, 1st Watch-North Tower Jail, passed away. July 11, 2012: Retired Deputy Billie Darlene Brown, former Station 9, Criminal Investigative Division, the sister of retired Warrant Execution Investigator James “J.T” Jackson, passed away after an extended illness.

Buy a Dallas County Sheriff’s Department #TeamDCSD shirt! $12! Part of the proceeds go to Special Olympics Contact Deputy Hines or Limones at 214.653.2601

Sheriff’s Department Throw

July 16, 2012: Lynn C. Green, father of DTO Lisa Taylor, West Tower, and grandfather of Alyssha Taylor, Communications, passed away. July 25, 2012: Mary Lee Briggs, mother of 3rd Watch North Tower DSO Deborah Hollis passed away. July 27, 2012: Blondel Yee, mother of Processing Support Supervisor Marcia Wade—DMU Bonds, 2nd Watch—passed away after a lengthy illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with each family member during this difficult time.

48’ X 68’ throw to keep you warm, $35.00 each

Do you have what it takes to be part of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard? Contact Lt. P. Bonner at 214.653.2689 or Lt. R. Williams 214.589.2315

Sheriff’s one inch badge lapel pins $3.50 each or get 3 for $10 Contact: Marian Ogletree (214) 653-3462

Dallas County Sheriff’s Department 133 N. Riverfront Blvd. LB-31 Dallas, Texas 75207-4313

For submission of items to the newsletter—send to the Public Information Officer at Sheriffmedia@dallascounty.org

For the latest updates:

www.dallas-sheriff.com

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Contributions Benefit the Dallas Sheriff’s Citizens Academy

Contact Ed Clark at 214-951-7467 The Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is not funded by the Sheriff’s Department and depends wholly on contributions for goods, services, monies or profits made from the sale items.

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Support the Dallas Sheriff’s Citizens Academy