Volume 13 Number 10
OCTOBER 2013 HIGHLIGHTS
Behind The BADGE DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT FROM THE SHERIFF The advent of fall brings with it many changes. I want to commend the good work of every single employee at the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. With the newly formed hiring recruitment team, we look forward to bringing in many more qualified candidates to start their law enforcement careers. In addition, we are celebrating the soon-to-be Eighth Sheriff’s Citizens Academy graduating class this fall. It’s nice to continue to showcase the department’s best assets with the community.
Inside this issue:
DSO Bicycle Repair Program Kick-Off
Anti-Bullying School Rally
New Recruitment Team
Retirements
Announcements
—Sheriff Lupe Valdez
Commemorating JFK Art Display
Stay Informed:
Dallas.Sheriff.Dept
@dallas_sheriff www.dallas-sheriff.com
Pictured above: A few of the sample art pieces created by Dallas County jail inmates enrolled in an El Centro Community College education course. An exhibit of art pieces commemorating the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s last visit to Dallas, is displayed in the County Administration Building’s lobby, located at 411 Elm Street. The art was created by inmates in the Dallas County jail who are enrolled in one of the El Centro Community College education programs aimed to reduce recidivism rates. The exhibit combines the artistic talents of the inmates with the service and community sentiments of President Kennedy. The art will be on display from November 4 through November 30, 2013.
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Bicycle Repair Program Kick-Off
The Sheriff’s Bridge to Communities, which is the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department official charity, believes it is important to make safe bicycles accessible to underserved communities. Unfortunately, the reality is that the benefits of bicycles are not accessible to all residents. For many families, the cost of purchasing a bicycle for their children is a major hardship. Through The Sheriff’s Bridge to Communities, the Inmate Programs Division has established a “Holiday Bike Giveaway” program designed to benefit children from low-income families who do not own a bicycle. •Therefore, we are recruiting private sector and community agencies that would like to donate bicycles to the inmate bike repair shop. •The donated bikes will be assembled and refurbished by non-violent inmates who will receive training and the vocational skills required to assemble and repair bicycles. The bicycles will be donated to families during the upcoming holiday season. The magical bike giveaway is a community effort in every sense of the word and would not be possible without the help of our community volunteers and donations. The first donation was made by The Salvation Army on Harry Hines!
If you would like to donate an unassembled bicycle or volunteer, please contact Inmate Program Director, Yolanda Lara- Reyna at ylara@dallascounty.org, (214) 653-3474 or Assistant Director, Maggie Sanchez at maggie.sanchez@dallascounty.org , (214) 653-2839.
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Volume 13 Number 10
Local Anti-Bullying Rally A few members of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department recently participated in an antibullying rally hosted at Gateway Charter Academy Elementary School, located at 6103 University Hills. The event was made possible with the efforts of Chief Marlin Suell, the school principal Ms. Reed and former DTO Kchristshan Cook (now a music teacher at the school) among other individuals. Over 400 students, grades pre-K to fifth grade attended the rally. Deputies issued some of their collectible trading cards with the students. The group also received some other goodies, including pencils, stickers, cups and a special visit from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit. Pictured above: North Tower Captain Sanders with Principal Reed and a group photo with other volunteers.
New Recruitment Team
The Dallas County Sheriff's Department newly formed Recruitment Team went into recruiting mode on October 21, 2013. Within five days, the team brought in over 200 plus applications. They reached out to several major employers who are laying off employees and have partnered with the TWC Commission as well as Dallas County Colleges. Currently, they are working with local high schools to launch a pilot high school intern program.
The recruiters shown from left to right are Tommy Aguilar, Estella Rodriguez and Gwendolyn Johnson.
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Don Peritz Retirement
After 33 years with the Dallas Sheriff’s Department Senior Sergeant Don Peritz is signing off. He starts a new chapter in life as an assignment editor with KXAS– NBC 5. Sgt. Peritz retirement celebration took place on October 17, 2013. Several family and friends gathered to pay tribute to a man who stated “there wasn’t a day I didn’t want to come to work.” Best wishes in your new endeavors!
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Announcements
Shoppers’ Corner
DEATHS October 11,2013: Gus C. Fitzgerald passed away due to a lengthy illness. He was the stepfather of Mary Fitzgerald, 3rd Watch, DMU-Process Support Supervisor. October 16,2013: Former deputy Ingar Singleton passed away. He was the brother-in-law of Deputy Chris Dennis, 1st Watch, Release Section. October 19,2013: Inocencio Guzman, great-grandfather of Deputy Inocencio Guzman, 2nd Watch, Release Section passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with each family member during this difficult time.
Dallas County Sheriff’s Department throw blankets for sale This warm cozy blanket makes a good gift idea for the upcoming holidays, retirements or simply as a keepsake for yourself. 48’ X 68’ throw to keep you warm, $35.00 each
Anyone interested please contact Ms. Marian Ogletree at 214.653.3462.
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: Carmen.Castro@dallascounty.org
For the latest updates: www.dallas-sheriff.com
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Volume 13 Number 10
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