Volume 12 Number 10 Happy Holidays!
NOVEMBER 2012
Behind The BADGE DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
FROM THE SHERIFF Reflecting on my time as sheriff, there are so many department accomplishments to applaud because of so many hard working individuals. In November, we paid tribute to Marlene James, manager of the Data Management Unit. Her 35 years of service to Dallas County have been such a vital component to our daily operations. Marlene will be missed. We also had the chance to have some of the founders of the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy during the most recent graduation. Former Chief Joseph Costa was in attendance. As the holiday season continues, I would like to extend a warm greeting to each and every one of you. I look forward to continuing to serve as Sheriff of Dallas County. —Sheriff Lupe Valdez Inside this issue:
Class #7: Citizens Academy Graduation
BCOC Class #286
Marlene James’ Retirement
Thanksgiving Celebration
“Bridge to the Community” Latest
DSO Cycling Team
KwanzaaFest 2012
Next Executive Staff Evening Shift: Dec. 5th and 6th, 2012
Dallas.Sheriff.Dept
@dallas_sheriff
Sheriff’s Citizens Academy: The Evolution Pictured left: Some members of the trailblazing team which helped create the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy.
Courtesy of Ed Clark
November 16, 2012 marked the graduation of Class #7 for the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy. It was also reunion time for various individuals who were there from the program’s inception. The first Citizens Academy began in 2008. Among the visiting guests, Chief Joseph Costa, who now heads the DeSoto Police Department. During the evening celebration, State Senator Royce West served as keynote speaker. He and Sheriff Lupe Valdez echoed the importance of being involved within the community. Officials praised the graduates’ commitment for dedicating 10 weeks, a total of 13 classes since September, to getting an in-depth understanding into the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. The class had the chance to tour all the jail grounds, including the traffic division and got the opportunity to get supervised firearms training. CONTINUE ON PAGE 2
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Dallas Sheriff’s Department Citizens Academy Graduation
Courtesy of Ed Clark
Pictured top left: Citizens Academy Class #7, Top right: Class Sergeant Jim Rodriguez with Reserve Lt. Mary Johnson who will be joining the DeSoto Police Department. Bottom left: State Senator Royce West, Bottom center: Sheriff Lupe Valdez presented with the traditional class plaque, Bottom right: J.D. Monson provided the musical entertainment for the evening. Class #7 also had the opportunity to merge a class session with the DeSoto Police Department’s Citizens Academy. During the graduation, the graduates paid tribute to the dozens of individual who dedicated their evenings and weekends to the program this fall. The class paid special recognition to Lt. Mary Johnson who announced this would be her final citizens academy class. She will be joining Chief Costa at the DeSoto Police Department and helping lead the DeSoto citizens academy curriculum. Of the 23 individuals who started the course, 21 graduated in November. Some will go on to join the Citizen Support Team which operates under the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Reserve Division on a voluntary basis.
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Congratulations BCOC Class #286
Courtesy of Ed Clark
Welcome to the members of BCOC Class #286 who graduated on Nov. 16, 2012. These 24 men and women begin their careers as detention service officers at the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. CONGRATULATIONS!
Employee Association Holiday Parties Dallas County Sheriff’s Association: 2012 Annual Christmas Party Fri. Dec. 7, 2012, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. @ Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake-Winfrey Point Drive, Dallas, TX 75218 The National Latino Peace Officers Association-Dallas Chapter: 2012 Christmas Party & Toy Drive Thurs. Dec. 13, 2012, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. @ La Calle Doce 415 West 12th Street, Dallas, TX $10 donation or $10 unwrapped toy per person Donations will benefit needy children in the community Door prizes! EVERYONE WELCOME TO BOTH EVENTS
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Ms. Marlene James’ Retirement Celebration
Pictured top left: Executive Chief Jesse Flores and Ms. Marlene James. Top center: Ms. James is presented with a watch for her many years at Dallas County. Top right: Ms. James with District Attorney Craig Watkins. Pictured second row L to R: Early arrivals for Ms. Marlene James family. After more than 35 years of service to Dallas County, Ms. Marlene James is retiring. The Dallas Sheriff’s Department, along with family, friends, and several long time colleagues like County Commissioner John Wiley Price, Constable Roy Williams, and District Attorney Craig Watkins gathered on November 29, 2012 to pay tribute to an incredible woman. The celebration kicked off with remarks from Chief Marlin Suell who made a comparison between the Championship NBA Basketball Team of the 90’s—the Chicago Bulls with their reigning MVP Michael Jordan, a.k.a. MJ— with Dallas County’s own MVP Marlene James a.k.a. “our MJ”. Sheriff Lupe Valdez addressed Ms. James through a video message. The sheriff commended Ms. James’ hard work and commitment to the department. Colleagues praised Ms. James for always being so helpful and for going beyond her call of duty to always getting things done. Her clerical staff thanked her commitment to helping bring recognition to the Data Management Unit staff which has come a long way over the years. Ms. James thanked everyone and talked about how lucky she was to have such a wealth of friends. She supervised the data unit for the second largest county in the state, seventh largest in the country. She will move on to dedicate her time to her church where she recently was voted pastor. Best of luck in her future endeavors!
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Bridge to the Community Join “The Bridge� for these upcoming events Wed. Dec 5th: By popular demand for evening shift personnel! Burgers, chips and bottled water for $5 at Kays Tower. Chance to win a door prize to be determined! Stop by 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fri. Dec 21st: 2 chili dogs, chips and bottled water for $5 in Frank Crowley A-5 Room. There will be an assortment of desserts, popcorn and candy apples ranging from $1 to $2. Raffle for following items will take place: Raffle tickets on sale now. One ticket for $5 OR three tickets for $10 for a chance to win a iPad mini or $250 Visa gift card. Coming January 2013, exact date to be announced Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen, Duncanville restaurant location Enjoy an evening mixer and dinner in a private room. DJ will be provided and there will be many door prizes! $30 tickets available and the following menu will be provided: The St. Charles Package which includes: Popcorn shrimp OR Catfish beignets, Chicken tenderloins, Shrimp & crawfish fondue, Red beans and dirty rice Tea & Coffee included All proceeds go to the Bridge to the Community. Thank you for the support!
Thanksgiving Celebration
The Intelligence Section treated guests to a delicious Texasstyle Thanksgiving feast Nov. 16, 2012. The men served up some Bar-B-Q along with many homemade side dishes and desserts. The Executive Staff was among the guests. Many thanks to the Intel. Section for their kind hospitality.
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Bridge to the Community: Holiday Spirit
Pictured top left: Ms. Yolanda Lara greets patrons at the entrance. Top right: Ms. Diane Skipworth serves up the warm Frito pie orders. Bottom left: Ms. Rosalind Reeves collects toy donations and meal payment. Bottom right: Chief Cheryl Wilson does the honor of pulling the winning ticket for the 32 inch television. Courtesy of David Williams Congratulations to DSO Kenisha Bryant, Second Watch-Intake Section! Ms. Bryant was the winner of the 32inch television set raffled off at the Nov. 30, 2012 fundraising event. The Bridge to the Community organizers collected toys and monetary donations. Part of the proceeds will go to help lift a child’s spirit during the holiday season. Another portion of the proceeds will help fund the upcoming spring recognition award banquet to be held in honor of all Dallas Sheriff’s Department employees, as well as community and business leaders. If you haven’t had the chance to donate for this year’s Joseph Bryant Christmas in the Community event, there is still time. The event will take place Sat. Dec. 15, 2012 at the P.C. Cobb Stadium from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations can be in the form of cash, canned goods, new unwrapped toys, as well as Christmas decorations. If you would like to get involved, contact one of the following people: Sgt. Fonda Boyd, Kays South Tower 214.962.5831 Sgt. Ruthie McCain, Kays South Tower 214.962.5802 Lt. Darren Hodge, Warrant Execution Section 214.653.2705 Lt. Raymond Williams, Traffic Section 214.589.2315
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DSCO Cycling Team: Turkey Roll 2012 Pictured left: DSO. J. Knoble, Capt. D. Mitchell, Chief B. Mikulewicz and Leah Probst at the Turkey Roll 2012 in Denton. Courtesy of Mrs. R. Mitchell Individual times: Jeff Knoble (North Tower DSO): 50.01 miles ride distance, 3:23:09 time, 15.47 mph Leah Probst (Compliance Officer for Juvenile): 68.4 miles ride distance ,4 hours flat ,17.1 mph Blaise Mikulewicz (Chief Deputy/Detentions): Finished it in 3:36:30, avg. 17.5. (Ran into the wall @ 59 miles and wanted to die. Last 5 miles were painful as I cramped up but gutted it out.) [NOTE: His honesty is appreciated as others will consider his insight for next year. Thanks for being so candid, Chief!] David Mitchell (Captain, West Tower Jail): Distance - 68.5 mi., Ride time - 4:09:31, Avg. - 16.4 mph, Total time (including rest stops) - 4 hours, 32 minutes The Team had four (4) members participate at the final 2012 season ride: The Turkey Roll 2012 in Denton, TX. Those members were among about 1,800 riders. 2012 was a fabulous ride year for individual riders & the team. It is truly amazing the number of comments made by people who see our members (because of their easily identifiable jerseys and/or banner) and recognize Dallas County's involvement in rallies. There are currently 17 members of THE Team but more are always welcomed! The 2013 season begins with the "Freeze Your Fanny Off" Rally in Longview, TX in February. Check www.bikestuff.com for a calendar of upcoming events. Supporters are welcome, too!
KwanzaaFest 2012: Sign up!
December 8, 2012 - 8:00 a.m. Register at http://johnwileyprice.com/kwanzaa-5kwalk-registration.php Team Captain - Captain S. Carter-Bass Cell: 214.850.9844 Office: 214.653.2743
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Announcements
Shoppers’ Corner Sheriff’s Department Throw
GET WELL WISHES Nov. 5, 2012: DSO Henry Boone, Personnel Section, was hospitalized earlier this month and is recovering well. DEATHS Oct. 27, 2012: Irene Banks, mother-in-law of Michele Banks, Communications Section Dispatcher, passed away. Oct. 31, 2012: Alyce Faye Ward, mother of Umeka Ward, Clerk Six-2nd Watch Vault, passed away.
48’ X 68’ throw to keep you warm, $35.00 each
Nov. 2, 2012: Willie Mae Combs, grandmother of Demetricus Taylor, DMU Release Clerk, passed away at the age of 98. Nov. 5, 2012: Pastor Antonio and Illaria Castillo, uncle and aunt of Deputy Barney Martinez’s wife, Court Services/Bailiff Section, passed away as a result of a car accident. Nov. 11, 2012: Homero Ramirez, father of DSO Pedro Ramirez, Sterrett Kitchen-3rd Watch, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Nov. 25, 2012: Retired Deputy Edgar Ray Dees passed away. Deputy Dees was a former Dallas Police Officer that served a bailiff under Sheriff Bill Decker.
Sheriff’s one inch badge lapel pins $3.50 each or get 3 for $10 Contact: Marian Ogletree (214) 653-3462 FREE BREAKFAST: UNIFORMED PERSONNEL Sat. Dec. 29, 2012 Provided by John L. DeGrazier Masonic Lodge
Our thoughts and prayers are with each family member during this difficult time.
5300 Forest (just east of the Inwood/Forest intersection and west of Dallas North Toll Rd.) Full breakfast 8 a.m. to noon for all uniformed personnel. It is offered in appreciation of your heroic service to the citizens of Dallas County. Next breakfast: Sat. March 30, 2012
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:
Sheriffmedia@dallascounty.org
www.dallas-sheriff.com
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