Volume 13 Number 03
MARCH 2013 HIGHLIGHTS
Behind The BADGE DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT FROM THE SHERIFF I would like to commend the efforts of everyone within the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. The start of April, has been a testament of the incredible team work we have. With the executive staff training, came news of the death of Kaufman County District Attorney and his wife, and our deputies did not hesitate to immediately offer our neighbors some assistance. Then came requests to help increase our Dallas County security, along with news of an inmate escape. Yet, through all this activity, we continue to give attention to detail in every situation and our folks continue to give all of themselves. My sincere thanks for all you do. —Sheriff Lupe Valdez
Inside this issue:
“Operation Goodwill”
Prostitution Diversion Initiative: Latest
2013 Bunny Hop
“Hanging with the Stars” Highlights
Dallas County Resolution: Honoring Kevin Fowler
Retirement: Carl Melin
Retirement: George Arrieta
Federal Reserve Bank Award
“Operation Goodwill” Property Transfer Ceremony
Next Executive Staff Evening Shift: April 24 and 25, 2013 May 8 and 9, 2013
Dallas.Sheriff.Dept
@dallas_sheriff
Photo: Sheriff Lupe Valdez was part of those in attendance at the Department of Justice ceremony led by U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña. U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña, Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Mayor Mike Rawlings were among officials present for the ceremonial deed of transfer of four forfeited properties in West Dallas. The March 26, 2013 event officially transferred ownership of the property under the Justice Department’s program “Operation Goodwill” to the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. The properties were forfeited to the government as a result of a successful investigation involving violent drug trafficking and a criminal street gang OPERATION GOODWILL CONT PG 2
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“Operation Goodwill” known as the Gator Boys, who bought and used the properties to traffic drugs. The gang was made up of both Bloods and Crips, who used drug proceeds to purchase houses. The gang not only dealt drugs from these properties, but further terrorized the neighborhood by walking an alligator on a leash down the street. Thanks to the efforts of several area law enforcement agents, approximately 304 grams of crack cocaine, 440 grams of marijuana and dozens of firearms were seized. In addition, 20 gang members were convicted, including the gang leaders, brothers Patrick and Tyrone Weatherall, who are now serving 20 to 30 year federal prison sentences.
Prostitution Diversion Initiative
Pictured above left: The stage was set at a parking lot in south Dallas for Dallas County and city officials to discuss the latest dimensions of the Prostitution Diversion Initiative. Pictured above right: Sheriff Lupe Valdez talks about how “it takes a village to redirect an adult,” an opportunity offered by the program.
Dallas County and city officials unveiled a new DNA database that takes the Prostitution Diversion Initiative to a new safety realm. The database, which includes DNA samples of hundreds of women, helps keep tabs on those who choose the high risk lifestyle. DNA sampling can be used to identify the women should they ever become victims of a crime. The program continues to catch the attention of several other counties, including some lawmakers in Austin who are asking that the Dallas program serve as a model for others. PDI is a joint effort of Dallas County and the Dallas Police Department which began six years ago. The initiative gives women an alternative to just going to jail. Coordinators offer counseling and rehabilitation services.
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Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Bunny Hop 2013
Pictured above: Deputy Maria Carrera (Traffic), Deputy Janet Curry-Finn (Admin.), DSO Joshua Bonham (Transportation), and DSO Devesh Amin (North Tower), along with Sheriff Lupe Valdez visited with children at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital on March 21, 2013. Sheriff Lupe Valdez and a couple of other representatives from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department paid an incredibly entertaining and enjoyable visit to several patients at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in the days leading up to Easter. Several children got a chance to hand pick their favorite colored stuffed bunny to keep. The bunny serves as a bit of comfort and entertainment for many children who are on their road to recovery, or may be waiting on a fellow sibling who is being cared for at the hospital. This annual event is made possible through the Easter Bunny Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides Easter Bunny visits to children and hospitals across the United States and United Kingdom.
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“Hanging with the Stars” Highlights
The March 15, 2013 recognition banquet was a delight to the hundreds in attendance, including some community leaders and business sponsors who helped make the event a reality. The celebration celebrated the accomplishments of several Dallas County Sheriff’s Department personnel across all department sections and divisions. Those who were unable to attend the Friday evening event were entered into a raffle drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. Each of the three jail towers, as well as the Technical Services Bureau had their individual drawing for employees assigned to work Third Shift the day of the event. The following are the list of raffle winners: Chuquida Lewis from Document Imaging DSO Tonya Garner from Kays Tower DSO Fritz from West Tower DSO Constance Brown from North Tower The planning for the 2014 employee recognition banquet will soon begin. If you are interested in being part of the event’s committee next year, see Chief Cheryl Wilson.
SPONSORS Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Duncanville
Mariano’s La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant
Linebarger, Goggan, Blair
Unique Promotions
Dallas Fraternal Order Police Many thanks for helping make this event happen!
SPONSORS Life Partners Holdings
Leon Carter, Attorney at Law Latino Peace Officers Association
SPONSORS Lisa Blue Baron
MB Accounting & Tax Services Betty Blount
Crown Trophies
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Dallas County Commissioners Court Retirement Resolution
Pictured above left: Lt. Kelvin Fowler is presented with his Dallas County Commissioners Court Retirement Resolution. Above right: Fowler thanks County Judge Clay Jenkins and the County Commissioners for his retirement resolution. Bottom: County Commissioner John Wiley Price reads the resolution. West Tower Jail Commander Kelvin Fowler, of Natchitoches, was recently recognized by the Dallas County Commissioners Court for his dedicated service. He was presented with a retirement resolution by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, led by County Commissioner John Wiley Price. “I don’t think anyone can understand how much this man meant to this department,” Commissioner Price said during the commissioners’ court meeting earlier in March. “We lose institutional knowledge when someone who has been there for so long leaves,” said Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Fowler served 31 years with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Leaders credit Fowler for being of great assistance when it came to ensuring successful annual jail inspections. The Dallas County jail has successfully passed the last four state jail inspections. He most recently was responsible for the care and custody of over 1,000 inmates and supervised about 130 detention officers. Fowler’s retirement comes a little over a year after being recognized as a distinguished county employee of the month. The resolution was also just featured in his hometown publication, The Natchitoches Times.
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Carl “C.J.” Melin Retirement after 40 years
Pictured above: Sheriff Lupe Valdez presented Senior Sgt. Carl Melin his retirement certificate, various colleagues reflected on working with their friend during the retirement celebration which was held on March 21, 2013. After 40 years of dedicated service, Senior Sgt. Carl Melin, who has been sworn in by four different sheriffs officially retired. June 13, 1972 was his official starting date. That same year, the Dallas Cowboys had won the Super Bowl and the Godfather movie was in theaters. Jokingly, several of Melin’s co-workers reflected on having the opportunity to work with such a seasoned man. Capt. Thomas Lolley said “he was very reliable, consistent and had a dry sense of humor.” Chief Jesse Herrera talked about how Melin treated everyone on every shift, whether in the jail or out in traffic, the same way and he always finished the mission. Looking back, Melin said he kind of wanted to leave quietly, as he had come in years ago, but was very appreciative for his going away celebration. In parting, Melin said: “I’m not gonna say goodbye, I’m just going to say so long.” He has plans to travel extensively and said he will enjoy not having to worry about requesting time off. With the wheels set in motion for the past four decades, they finally come to a stop.
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George Arrieta Retirement Festivities
Pictured above: Sheriff Lupe Valdez presented George Arrieta his retirement certificate, various colleagues reflected on their own time with George during his retirement celebration which was held on March 26, 2013. After 29 years of service, George Arrieta officially retired from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Several colleagues took time to reflect on the caring tall man, with the iconic pony tail, who always made himself available when duty called. Everyone in attendance thanked Mrs. Arrieta, George’s two daughters, and son for sharing George with the department for almost three decades. George talked about his decision—years ago— when he talked to his wife about just “giving it a year” to see where the job would go, and jokingly stated during his retirement celebration “guess that year is done, now.” Many people spoke highly about George’s character including some of his task force colleagues from other regional law enforcement agencies. One particular group thanked George dearly for his heroic actions in helping save one of their own during an operation a year ago. George took time to thank everyone in attendance and said he should have more time to spend at home and take his granddaughter to school on occasion. The family also has plans to visit all the Major League Baseball stadiums in the United States. He said: “This is the 9th inning, and we have three outs.”
Happy Retirement!
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Executive Staff Training
Dallas Police Department Chief David Brown taught during one of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Executive Training Retreat sessions in Granbury. Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds also made a stop to greet Sheriff Lupe Valdez.
Everyone’s invited!!
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Sheriff Valdez receives
Announcements
Federal Reserve Bank Award BIRTHS Feb. 27, 2013: DTO Kimblem Jeffrey, West Tower-1st Watch’s daughter gave birth to a healthy 5 lbs. 15 oz. and 18 in. baby girl. Congrats! DEATHS Feb. 25, 2013: Lissie Taylor, grandmother of Alta Denson, clerical assistant in DMU-Bonds, passed away at the age of 102. Feb. 28, 2013: Maybell McGencey, grandmother of DSO Dealiello Turner, Transportation/PMH SHOT Unit, passed away. March 6, 2013: Retired Lieutenant Darlene Brown passed away. She served 30 years with the department. March 6, 2013: Doug Oldham, brother-in-law of DTO/FW A. David, West Tower-2nd Watch, passed away at the age of 57. March 19, 2013: Jerry P. Woolverton, uncle of Deputy Michael Woolverton, Traffic Division-1st Watch, passed away from a heart attack.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each family member during this difficult time.
Sheriff Lupe Valdez received an award from the Federal Reserve Bank as a token of appreciation for allowing their staff access to the Mitchum Firearms Training Facility when their range was under construction from November 2006 through December 2012.
With the Federal Reserve Bank’s range now fully functional, the chief recently hosted a luncheon to bring his staff and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department staff together to celebrate the relationship between the agencies.
Shoppers’ Corner
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 a newsletter item:
For the latest updates:
Carmen.Castro@dallascounty.org
www.dallas-sheriff.com
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Volume 13 Number 03
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