Volume 12 Number 2 SPRING FORWARD MARCH 2012
Behind The BADGE DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
FROM THE SHERIFF With the advent of spring comes a rejuvenated spirit. The executive team is busy spearheading projects that will continue to take the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department to new levels. However, we part ways with one of our great colleagues, Chief Joseph Costa. - Sheriff Lupe Valdez
Inside this issue: State Jail Commission Inspection Report
Three in a Row: “Best Inspection in Years” - Shannon Herklotz, Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Bon Voyage Chief Costa International Women’s Day Executive Team Retreat BCOC Class #282 Graduation
Executive Team Retreat: Fairfield, TX
Commissioner Maurine Dickey’s Garden Tour Employee Spotlight on “Cuffs” the Clown Retirements Notice
In March, the sheriff’s executive team rounded up in Fairfield, Texas, about 100 miles south of Dallas, to plan objectives for the year ahead. Big changes coming to Dallas County’s Workers Com- Rita J. Villarreal-Watkins, Ed.D. was among the presenters. The executive director for the pensation Program Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston University (LEMIT) disEffective April 1, 2012 Employees must use an approved county medical provider. Questions? Contact Risk Management
cussed the tenants necessary for a cohesive team. The goal is for the Dallas Sheriff’s Department to continue strengthening community relations and to provide more personnel training. Other plans include addressing technical support equipment matters across the board. Sheriff Lupe Valdez challenges everyone to take time and reflect on why you choose a law enforcement career; and perhaps consider mentoring some of the newest members in the department. Let’s continue to set the bar of excellence higher for the Dallas Sheriff’s Department.
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Texas Commissions on Jail Standards Inspection Report
Pictured above: Chief Suell, Chief Wilson, Commissioner JW Price, Sheriff Valdez, Chief Herrera and inspectors for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards For the third year in a row, Texas Commission on Jail Standards officials awarded the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department a certificate of compliance. “It’s been one of the most enjoyable weeks we’ve had at this facility in many years,” said Shannon Herklotz, assistant director with the Texas jail commission. “I can’t say enough how clean this place was; it’s definitely a model for a lot of people to look at.” Sheriff Valdez took time to recognize the hard work put forth by Parkland Hospital staff, the Dallas County Commissioners and the 1,450 detention service officers at the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department: “It takes the cooperation of all of us, including our midnight staff,” said Sheriff Valdez. Thank you, everyone!
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS, ACTIVITIES FOR THE CHILDREN, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS Saturday, April 28, 2012 Hosted by Bryan Adams High School at 2101 Millmar Drive, Dallas, TX 75228
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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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International Women’s Day 2012
On March 8, Sheriff Lupe Valdez spoke to a group of 20 women, guests of the North Texas Council For International Visitors. There were women from all over the world, including some from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Canada and Brazil. The sheriff talked about her journey to becoming one of the nation’s few women sheriffs and the only Latina to serve as one. The group learned details on what it takes to manage the jails. Some appeared to be in awe when they learned about the inmate volunteers who assist with laundry services. They also were shocked to learn that in 2011; approximately nine million meals were served to inmates—a remarkable task in their minds. Sheriff Valdez told the group, that in order for women to continue to progress in society, a solid support from the men is helpful. International Women’s Day was first observed in 1911. It celebrates women's success, and serves as a reminder of inequities still to be redressed.
Education Opportunities
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Dallas County Commissioner’s District Office Garden Tour
Pictured above: Sheriff Lupe Valdez and some of her executive team with Commissioner Maurine Dickey and some members of the Dallas Master Gardeners chapter. Top right: featured lunch dish– chicken satay on rosemary skewers
Dallas County Commissioner Maurine Dickey hosted a garden tour for the sheriff and other members of the executive staff. The garden is located at 2311 Joe Field Road, next to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Automotive Service Center. Commissioner Dickey, along with some members of the Dallas County Master Gardeners, and Texas AgriLife Extension Service of Dallas County, have transformed a narrow strip of parking lot into a drought-resistant garden. The trees, shrubs and perennials require minimal fertilizers or pesticides with minimal resources and are maintained with some stored rain water. The March 1st tour was followed by a lunch, prepared by some of the Master Gardeners. The menu included: pesto made from the garden; a salad made from homegrown broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and lettuce; lemon verbena and zucchini bread; as well as chicken satay on rosemary skewers.
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BCOC #282 Graduating Class “22 in and 22 out” Congratulations to the BCOC Class #282 who graduated on March 16, 2012 as they begin their careers as detention service officers with the Sheriff’s Department.
Good luck and make it a great career journey: Dynesha Newton
Marilyn Garrido
Melissa Solis
Alfonso Aguilar-Cancino
Jason Gray
Lakeith Whaley
Matthew Alverson
Joi Price
Joey Whisenant
Xoraya Bennett
Josefina Rosario
Anthony Aguirre
Raynaldo Cruz
Keasha Smith
James Boyd
Ryan Ford
Alexis George
Daniel Gibson
Daquinn Jones
Dominicque Livingston
Kevin Talley
Mark Jones
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James Allman High Flyer Award Recipient
Congratulations Alfonso Aguilar-Cancino, graduate of the BCOC Class #282. He was awarded the James Allman High Flyer Award. This award is voted on by fellow classmates who feel AguilarCancino embodies all-around hard work.
Sheriff Lupe Valdez presented him the award on March 16, 2012.
Circus Spotlight with “Cuffs” the Clown
“Cuffs” and his buddies during the Garland circus performance. Left photo with his daughter Zoie. Deputy Terry Starrett, has only been a Shriner since November but already performs as “Cuffs” the clown. Yes, the deputy with 13 years of law enforcement experience, performs for children in a sheriff’s department replica uniform he made himself. He and his fellow clowns spend time with children during the Shrine Circus performances. They pass out goodies and autograph coloring books during show intermission. Aside from showcasing at the March circus performances in Garland and Fair Park, Starrett also spends time with other children in need of a smile, like burn victims in Louisiana. What a heart warming way to represent our law enforcement family in the community!
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Mansfield Police Officers Association Golf Tournament
The Third Annual Golf Tournament will take place Monday, April 16th, 2012 at the Walnut Creek Country Club, located at 1151 Country Club Dr., Mansfield, TX 76063. Registration starts at 10:00 am, lunch at 11:00 am, and scramble at 1:00 pm. The format is a Four Ball Scramble. There will be two different courses to choose from. One will be a more tournament style of play. The other will have more games/gimmicks. Both will award prizes to first, second, and third place. Entry fee is $125.00 per person or $500.00 a team. Individual registrations are welcome. ***LAW ENFORCEMENT TEAMS GET HALF PRICE DISCOUNT**** ($250 a team or $67.50 per person) Just indicate on your entry that your team is all law enforcement, and include your agency’s name.
There are also sponsorship opportunities for corporations or individuals that would like to show their support for Mansfield Police Officers through the Mansfield Police Officers Association. If you have any questions about the tournament or sponsorships, you can contact Ken Klein at ken.klein@mansfieldpoa.com (817-5641105) or Richard Hash at richard.hash@mansfieldpoa.com or (817) 706-1684. Entry Includes: Green Fees, Cart Rental, Driving Range, Practice Green, Lunch (Chick-Fil-A), Dinner (Texas Roadhouse), Prize Opportunities, Refreshments, T-Shirt, and Gift Bag.
Events and Contests: Team Long Drive, Team Closest to the Pin, Individual Long Drive, Individual Closest to the Pin, Hole in One Prizes, Raffle, and Helicopter Ball Drop. Sign up online at www.mansfieldpoa.com
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$$$ Melvin Drum Memorial Scholarship Program $$$
Time is ticking. The Texas Chief Deputies Association is offering three scholarships. A $2,000 scholarship is available to a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter of any sheriff or sheriff’s office employee in the state who will be attending an accredited college/university or trade school in Texas. Award recipients will receive the first $1,000 at the Texas Chief Deputies Association Annual Training Conference scheduled for June 12-15, 2012, at the Inn of The Hills, in Kerrville, Texas. The second payment would be awarded in the spring, upon proof of the student’s enrollment in school and confirmation the student is passing his/her courses. Another $2,000 scholarship is available to any sheriff’s office employee currently attending college or a law enforcement training agency. This scholarship will be awarded in one payment at the June conference in Kerrville. You can log on to www.texaschiefdeputiesassociation.com Click on the Melvin Drum Memorial Scholarship Program link on the right, to get an application. Application deadline is April 27, 2012.
Third Watch Cook Off Winners: March 6, 2012
Cook off judges from left to right: Clerk T. Miller, DSO A. Robinson, Lt. R Salas and Lt. P. Bonner Big thumbs up to everyone! Congratulations ladies! Jackie Dunbar for her fruit salad & DSO Crystal Deleon for her chicken enchilada casserole and sopapilla cheesecake
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Bon Voyage Chief Joseph Costa Congratulations Chief Costa, though parting is such sweet sorrow. He begins his duties as the City of DeSoto’s Chief of Police in April. His last day with the Dallas Sheriff’s Department will be April 6 so there’s still time to stop by and congratulate him. Join us for refreshments Fri. April 6, 2012 in the A5 first floor conference room from noon to 3:30 p.m. Chief Costa will head the daily budgeting and staffing activities for a department that has 71 sworn officers in DeSoto. Additionally, he will be responsible for code enforcement, animal control and a regional jail facility that serves DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Lancaster.
Tom Ervin’s Retirement Fiesta: Now More Time to Siesta
The Honorable Ken Tapscott and the staff of Dallas County Court at Law No. 4, along with friends and coworkers celebrated Tom Ervin’s retirement.
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Dragon Boat Racing Team Volunteers Wanted
Preparations for the 2012 Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival are under way. This year the event will take place on Sun. May 20, 2012 at Lake Carolyn in Irving (Las Colinas Urban Center). The sheriff’s department is recruiting men and women to take part in the boat racing competition. Co-ed teams require 8 paddlers of each gender, so a total of 16 team players is needed. If you are interested in participating in this year’s competition contact Chief Gary Lindsey at 214.653.3456 or by email at Gary.Lindsey@dallascounty.org
Keep The Tradition Going...Sign Up!
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Sheriff Wraps Up Women’s History Month At Speaking Engagement For U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Sheriff Lupe Valdez spoke to an audience of about 70 U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services students about the fundamentals of serving a diverse community. The group is taking a six-week training course near DFW Airport in Euless. USCIS, formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Services, INS, was formed to enhance the security measures and improve the efficiency of national immigration services.
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Contributions Go Directly to 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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Announcements
Shoppers’ Corner
BIRTHS– Deputy Juan Flores, warrants execution section, welcomes baby Camille Alexis Flores. She was born March 20. Congratulations to the Flores Family! GET WELL WISHES– Sgt. Wimberly Roberson of the S.H.O.T. team underwent surgery earlier this month. Your work family wishes you a speedy recovery. DEATHS - March 11, 2012: Rodney Brown Sr. passed away. He was the brother of Umeka Ward, 2nd Watch Vault-Release. March 14, 2012: Lindbergh McMillian passed away. He was the uncle of Lieutenant Sandifer, North Tower, 1st Watch. March 15, 2012: Gloria Tolbert passed away. She was the mother-inlaw of Rose Tolbert, Clerk #5 in DMU Intake; grandmother of DSO Matthew Tolbert, South/Kays Tower and Deputy Melvin Lewis, Jr., Traffic Section.
The Citizens Support Team sells acrylic paperweights. Single Sheriff’s badge or triple badge just $22.00 with engraving. Contact Ed Clark at eclark@dallascounty.org
Sheriff’s Department Throw
March 22, 2012: Mr. Antony’s wife (in data management), Jainamma, passed away. March 27, 2012: Charles Ray Trout, father of K9 handler, Deputy Terry Trout passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with each family member during this difficult time.
2012 Texas Police Games
Wed. June 20 through Sun. June 24, 2012 Hosted in Travis County 48’ X 68’ throw $35.00 each
Register at www.texaspolicegames.org Log on to learn more about all the sport competitions offered. Dallas County Sheriff’s Department 133 N. Riverfront Blvd. LB-31 Dallas, Texas 75207-4313
Sheriff’s one inch badge lapel pins $3.50 each or get 3 for $10 Contact: Semone Lilly (214) 653-3462
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