MA KI NG MOBI LE T HE S A FES T CI T Y I N AMER I C A WI TH RESPEC T F OR E V ERYON E
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ALL-TIME BEST CHRISTMAS EVENTS DOUBLE HOLIDAY CHEER
OFFICER DERON MCMICHAEL
Beyond the call of duty in heart-warming Christmas story
ACADEMY CLASS 61 GRADUATES DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 2ND PRECINCT & NARCOTICS UNIT
MAKE SPIRITS BRIGHT WITH TOY DELIVERY
HOLIDAY EDITION 2018 ISSUE 14
Officer of the Month
A MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste , IV
After Great Care of the City, Crime is Down Although there is nothing regular in law enforcement and policing, I say the following lightly. Now that the holiday season has ended, and we return to our regular schedule of policing in our city, I commend the department in its care of the city and its citizens during this tremendous shopping, mingling, and vehicle traffic season. I am sure that I express the gratitude of all staff members to you. Thank you. Less I be remiss, I would like to thank each of you for the support and compassion that you have shown to Officers Justin Tullie, Talon Edwards, Donald Matt, and Sergeant Ray Robertson during their times of illness. The MPD family as it has done on so many occasions has displayed the true nature of law enforcement familial relationship and internal friendship in your response to the needs of these fellow officers. One officer in particular is quoted as saying, “I have never felt so much love in all of my life.” Please continue to pray for their recovery and thank you again for your selflessness.
James Ainsworth, Officer of the Month for October 2018, joined the force in March 2017. Ainsworth works patrol in the First Precinct. He is commended for his great observational skills. Over a threeday period, Ainsworth removed a burglary suspect, robbery suspect and homicide suspect from the streets of Mobile. Read more about Ainsworth’s accomplishments.
Congratulations to every aspect of the Mobile Police Department’s policing and law enforcement tactics that has impacted the announcement that Part I crimes are down 11%. Your hard work and due diligence is commendable. I would like to thank Chaplain Ed Connick and his staff for sponsoring the Christmas Party on Dec. 13, 2018. Their hard work in providing a great night of fun and relaxation for the Public Safety Division, and most personally to the Police Department is highly appreciated. The event was very well attended, and most notably was the presence of many of our retired law enforcement members. The food and entertainment was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you Chaplain Connick. Congratulations, respectively, to Officer James Ainsworth and Officer Daniel Marlin who were Officers of the Month for October and November 2018. Congratulations to Records Specialist Veronica Williams and Records Specialist Anita Otis on being selected as Civilian Employee of the Month for October and November 2018, respectively. Your contribution to promoting the safety of our city and the efficiency of our department is appreciated. Now as we are entering into a new year, I admonish us all to do so with the attitude of being so busy loving life that there is no time for experiencing regret, fear, or hate. As we continue to strive to make our Department a model for this country, we will sometimes experience a sense of failure, but there is no failure. It is simply that we are discovering the things that do not work and the things that absolutely work. We shall not give up, because it is at the times when we feel so strongly to give up that our breakthrough is at the threshold. I remain appreciative to each of you.
Daniel Marlin, Officer of the Month for November 2018, joined the department in January 2016. Marlin works patrol in the First Precinct. He is commended for removing a burglary suspect off the streets. Read more about Marlin’s accomplishments.
EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Charlette Solis ext. 1918 Corporal LaDerrick Dubose ext. 1926
THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Captain Jonathan Lee Captain Paul Prine Lieutenant Travis Dannelley Officer Nathaniel McCarty Officer Gary Owens Heidi Robinson Meosha Hart Kim Zirlott
ON THE COVER: Detective Julius Nettles, Homicide Detail Officer Julian Nettles, Traffic Safety Unit Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org
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January 20132018 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat
Second Precinct and Narcotics Unit make spirits bright with toy delivery It’s always an honor for the Second Precinct to give back to the communities it serves and protects. Desiring to make some spirits bright once again, this Christmas the officers decided to deliver presents to areas where they believed the most needy and deserving children lived. Joined by the Narcotics Unit, the officers traveled to the area of Azalea Road and to the trailer parks in Theodore. With a van load of toys to give out, the officers pulled in and merrily greeted the residents of the area.
Officer Evelyn Gaines share a merry moment by taking a picture with some of the children who received Christmas presents.
Although the holidays tend to be one of the most busiest times of the year, Second Precinct was still able to set aside the time to collect toys for this special distribution. The toy delivery was made Friday, Dec. 21.
Left Photo: Officer Jalon Robinson, Officer Darlene Looney, and Corporal Michael Schaffer in the back of the van pulling out toys to distribute. Right Photo: Schaffer, Officer Jantzen Ward, Officer Shaun Wood, and Robinson take a moment for a group picture after presenting toys.
NEW DATE AND TIME FOR 4TH MPD ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF 11:30AM TO 2PM, SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH ADDITIONAL DETAILS TO FOLLOW SOON! January 2013Edition - Newsletter Holiday 2018 |Template MPDTheBeat
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Office of Strategic Initiatives gives Christmas gifts to 20 kids
From left, Office of Strategic Initiatives staff members Gloria Hill, Lisa Levins, Meosha Hart, Ronwick Thomas, Commander Curtis Graves, Katina Randolph, Iris Smith, and Officer Nathaniel McCarty gather up for a picture in front of the stage decked with many gifts.
What’s a holiday party without inviting those who matter the most —the kids? The Office of Strategic Initiatives held its annual Christmas party and served food and presented gifts to 20 Family Intervention Team participants. Among the gifts to give were 15 bicycles. The children invited were those who had made great strides and overcame tremendous obstacles to improve their behavior. The parishioners of the Christ Church Cathedral were the gift sponsor. They have partnered with the Family Intervention Team for more than eight years. The party was held at the Baker-Gaines Center Campus Dining Room on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at noon.
Troy University cheerleaders promote the Dollar General Bowl at HQ
It was a 42-32 win for the Troy Trojans in the game against the Buffalo Bulls on Dec. 22. To help promote the Dollar General Bowl, the Troy University cheerleaders made tour visits the week of the game all over Mobile, including making a stop at MPD to show their support for law enforcement.
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While taking a tour on the second floor, Major John Barber presented each cheerleader with a Command Staff Challenge Coin. The next visits were to the Assaults Unit and CyberIntel Unit where Detective Kenyada Taylor decided to join the cheerleaders in the Troy cheer. WATCH CLIP OF HER CHEER! Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template
Santa with a Badge inspired by Project THRIVE helps trauma victims For the 2018 holiday season, Santa with a Badge decided to take a new direction. Inspired by Project THRIVE, which aims to recognize victims of trauma and help them get their lives back on track, Santa with a Badge focused on helping one of the families who was recently impacted by trauma in the form of a violent crime. “We as police officers are a major part of the healing process when it comes to trauma victims,” said Officer Nathaniel McCarty, who spearheads Santa with a Badge. McCarty and other Santa with a Badge members Officer Andre King, Officer Kendrick Ligon and Officer Roderick Cotton along with victim advocate Taylor Martin were able to help mother Brittany and her chidren,11-year-old Anna and 6-year-old AJ.
The assistance began during Thanksgiving. Brittany’s family was provided an entire Thanksgiving meal, on behalf of Santa with a Badge and two Christian-hearted community volunteers.The push to serve continued through Christmas. With the help of selfless donations throughout the city of Mobile, Santa with a Badge was able to fulfill Anna and AJ’s entire Christmas wish list. Santa with a Badge became part of the healing process for this family, giving them a reason to smile during Christmas in the midst of it all. “Every year is different, but the mission is the same,” McCarty said. Santa with a Badge was started by former Corporal Joshua Jones, King and McCarty when they all worked in the Second Precinct under commander Linda Tims.
MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community I would like Officer Nicey Turton to receive special praise for her incredible sense of selflessness, genorosity, compassion, dignity, and grace. Her dedication to duty extends far beyond her role as a police officer but is inspiring as an example of a truly great human being! Late evening of Oct. 27, my finance, Lee Moorhead, dropped her wallet somewhere near Cathedral Square in Downtown Mobile and never realized it. We returned to the Battle House Renaissance Hotel and went to bed only to be awakened the next morning by a phone call from Lee’s mother. Officer Turton had found Lee’s wallet, then found Lee’s mother’s phone number inside the wallet, then called the mother and told her that Officer Turton had the wallet safely locked in the trunk of her car and provided her phone number so that we could contact her directly.
Fundraiser campaign backs the pink Through the sell of the “Be a Hero, Back to Pink” t-shirts and “We Got Your 6” and “No One Fights Alone” bracelets, The Mobile Police Department raised $1,097 to back the pink. The funds were donated to the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute to support the discovery of new breakthroughs in diagnostics for early cancer detection and life-saving treatments. January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat
We called Officer Turton and told her that I could drive immediately to her location to pick it up. Ms. Turton was already driving home when we called but she pulled over in a Walmart parking lot and waited approximately 40 minutes for me to arrive and pick up the wallet. After Officer Turton had worked all night protecting the safety of the community, she had the incredible generosity and selflessness to wait 40 minutes in a parking lot to help someone whom she had never met! Officer Turton brings great credit to herself, the Mobile Police Department, and even to the overall dignity and grace of humankind. She is an example of what a truly outstanding police officer and human being can give to this world. —Greg Chiasson Kathleen, GA
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Officers join Spencer-Westlawn students for Christmas lunch
These officers lined the halls of Spencer-Westlawn Elementary School and ate Christmas lunch with the students whose parents were not able to attend. From left, Officer Corey Hunter, Officer Jamal Pettway, Officer Derrick Robbins, Corporal Ryan Blakely, Officer Joshua Nix, Officer Lawrence Battiste, Officer Robert Harris, Officedr Tawrence Battiste, and Officer Jalon Robinson.
Communications help feed the Gulf Coast during the holidays
Communications Unit promotion announcement
Congratulations to Sheena Ivey who was promoted to public safety dispatcher II on Dec. 8! Ivey has been employed with the Mobile Police Department Communications Unit since May 2014. She earned her certification for a Communications Training Officer in May 2017. Ivey always goes above and beyond to help anyone without hesitation. No matter what is asked of her, she always complies. Most importantly, Ivey is constantly mindful of the safety of the officers and the citizens of Mobile. According to her supervisor, she is an inspiration to her peers and supervisors through her hard work, commitment and thoughfulness.
MPD Praise & Recognition
from the Community
There are times that good things are overlooked and feedback is left only when it is something negative so I wanted to say that I was pulled over by this officer [Frank Collier] today. He was very nice the whole time.
The Communications Unit “ACTION TEAM” hosted a canned food drive to help Feeding the Gulf Coast, formerly known as Bay Area Food Bank. The canned food drive was successful. The operators collected 202 cans of food and 18 various other non-perishable food items. This amount equates to 174 pounds of food. Each operator who donated at least three cans or more were allowed to dress down in civilian clothing on pre-determined days in November and December.
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He explained everything to me when he gave me my tickets. I thought he had a really great attitude. He did write me a few tickets but he was very friendly and was never rude or nasty as some can be. —Kristin Cantin Halls Mill Road
Holiday | MPDTheBeat JanuaryEdition2018 2013 - Newsletter Template
Fraternity honors first responders in observance of Veterans Day
Officer Shonee Mingo and Sergeant Erika Stuart pictured with the Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama and the Omega Psi Phi Fratenity.
In observance of Veterans Day, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, along with the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama, cooked out at the First Precinct to honor local first responders — those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and who now serve and protect our city. The luncheon was held Nov. 17. All first responders were invited to attend to be honored and thanked for their service. The Office of Strategic Initiatives and partners of Project THRIVE were also on location to lend a hand to help the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama show their appreciation.
Officer Rashad Cunningham stands next to a Omega Psi Phi member.
Detective Grimes earns cybersecurity specialist certificate
MPD ranks high in best presented NNO
Christopher Grimes, a general investigations detective in the Third Precinct, has completed pilot cybersecurity specialist training at the University of Louisville. Grimes said he took the training due to the climate of today’s criminals moving toward online misconduct and the increasing number of victims. “With these new skills I hope to be able to assist the department in capturing criminals while properly investigating such crimes and protecting the victims,” Grimes said. “This class has also given me the tools to assist the public in expanding their knowledge of online fraud.” Grimes added that he is better equipped to teach others about the necessity of online security and the protection of their vital information. January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat
The Mobile Police Department placed 19th in the nation for the best presented National Night Out 2018. A BIG congrats and THANK YOU to ALL the units that helped make this a big success. Officer Gary Owens, Crime Prevention, proudly holds the award plaque.
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Dinner and dancing at Christmas Time for all the enjoy For the second year, employees gathered for dinner and dancing at Christmas time. The MPD Christmas party was held Dec. 11 at The Locale. There were more than 250 guests, which included both current and retired employees. That’s double the number compared to last year! Photos below, left: Retiree Officer Robert “Railroad” Smith and Central Events employee Laurina Parker on the dance floor participating in the line dances. Photos below, right: Officer Randy Peyton, Information Technology, with date; Retiree Corporal Jackie Quinn and wife; and Family Intervention Team specialists Katina Randolph and Meosha Hart with friends.
Sergeant Ernest Woodard, Mounted Unit, with wife Margo, show off their holiday spirit.
Can’t have a Christmas party without someone wearing the ugly Christmas sweater that’s so merry and bright. Officer Justin Hill, Homeland Security Unit, with his wife.
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Christmas decorations around the department
Budgeting and Purchasing Unit staff members Princetta Craig and Jennifer Wesson display a holiday wreath and a Christmas tree trimmed with a Justin Billa theme for their Christmas office decorations.
Williams and Otis receive Civilian Employee of the Month Award
Veronica Williams, Records
day. And, she doesn’t mind assisting in the National Crime Information Center/Warrant Section even if it means working overtime.
Veronica Williams was recognized as Civilian Employee of the Month for October 2018. Hired March 2009, Williams is a records specialist in the Records Unit and is primarily tasked with making sure the alarm permits and alarm tickets are timely entered and completed. She is praised for her attentiveness to details, hard work and positive attitude.
Noted for being adaptable, her skills are not limited to her work space. Williams goes out of her way to assist customers and her co-workers while maintaining a very friendly attitude.
According to her supervisor, Williams never hesitates to take on any challenge or difficult task. She often comes in early to get a jump start on fulfilling her responsibilities for the
Not only does Williams help the Records Unit accomplish its customer service goals, she is esteemed for her ability to handle stressful situations well and work under pressure.
Anita Otis received the Civilian Employee of the Month Award for November 2018. Otis has worked for the department for 22 years. She is a records specialist at the Second Precinct. Otis is recognized for her excellent work performance and involvement in improving police-community relationships. Every day Otis efficiently and effectively performs many administrative duties that are necessary for the precinct to function. These tasks include but are not limited to overtime allocation, roll call sheets and handling phone calls as well as recording and monitoring grant money allocations. Otis provides administrative assistance to patrol and general investigation units. And, she prepares the documents used to analyze crime. According to her precinct captain, Otis goes above and beyond her everyday duties by looking far ahead to what needs to be done. If there is something the captain needs, usually it is done before he even asks. Otis also helps guide new police officers whenever they need assistance.
Anita Otis, Second Precinct
During the month of November, Otis coordinated a Thanksgiving lunch for the members of the Second Precinct. She collected money and picked up the food items needed. The Thanksgiving meal was enjoyed by all and considered an event to help boost officers’ morale. Click here to read more about Otis’ accomplishments. January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat
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McMichael goes beyond the call of duty to replace stolen gifts
Watch Officer Deron McMichael in Fox10 News Christmas story “Beyond the Call of Duty”.
“If you can help people and show kindness, that’s the best part about this job and what we are supposed to do.” — Officer Deron McMichael When Officer Deron McMichael responded to a burglary call on Dec. 6, he spoke to the victim, a grandmother, who stated someone entered her home while she was at work and took the Christmas gifts she had wrapped and placed under her Christmas tree. McMichael said it was heartbreaking to see the Christmas tree turned over and how the grandmother was upset. But with the backing of his commander Captain Greeley, fellow
officers at the Fourth Precinct and donations from the community, McMichael was able to go beyond the call of duty to replace the Christmas gifts that were stolen.
Office of Strategic Initiatives receives Walmart grant MPD received a grant from Walmart Giving! Store manager Shannan Funderburk from the Walmart located at 1300 North University Blvd. made the presentation to Chief Battiste and Commander Curtis Graves at police headquarters on Dec. 13. Commander Graves, who oversees the Office of Strategic Initiatives, says the $3,000 grant will be used to financially supporting programs such as “Bridging the Gap,” a program for ninth graders that teaches mutual respect guidelines between youth and law enforcement, and Project THRIVE which provides resources to help those traumatized by violent events.
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All about esprit de corps as graduation nears
Major John Barber, Captain Melvin Jones and Captain Matthew Garrett pictured leading the recruits in a run the day before graduation.
It was a feeling of loyalty and pride shared by Command Staff and the recruits of Academy Class 61 as they began to fall in line for the 3-mile motivational recruit run the day before graduation. The run concluded with Chief Battiste speaking to the soon-tobe new officers and the serving of a delicious breakfast prepared by Officer Joanne Watson. The run started east on Virginia St. to Ladd-Peebles Stadium, around the stadium once, and then back to the Police Academy.
The meaning of the run to Public Safety Memorial Park Academy Class 61 held a Memorial Run on Dec. 13. The run was from the Police Academy to the Law Enforcement Memorial at Public Safety Memorial Park, located at 2301 Airport Blvd. Once at the Law Enforcement Memorial, the recruits read the names of our fallen officers, and the chaplain prayed. The purpose of the run was to honor our fallen officers and to prepare the recruits for their Officer Survival training. The Memorial Run will be included in the Police Academy classes moving forward. Members of the department were invited, and several officers from headquarters particpated as well as Chief Battiste. January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat
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Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation presents check to Towarnyckyj
The Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation presented Corporal Ben Towarnyckyj , who was shot in the line of duty in November, with a $5,000 check to help offset any hardships his family suffered. Towarnyckyj expresses his thanks in a WKRG news story.
Training Unit graduates another Citizens Academy class
Do you know how many Mobile Police Department Citizens Academy classes the Training Unit has offered? The class that graduated in December marked 24.
10 weeks to provide citizens with a hands-on perspective of police work. The classes are taught by staff members with expertise in the given areas of instruction.
The Mobile Police Department Citizens Academy is held twice a year to introduce the public to the challenges of law enforcement today. Each class meets once a week for
The first class enrolled in 2001, and was offiered as a way of building partnerships with citizens to fight crime and improve safety citywide.
MPD Praise & Recognition
from the Community
This evening my car was stolen at 6900 Airport Blvd. As you can imagine, the theft of my car was one of the worst things I have ever been through. However, the police officers whom I assume belong to the 4th Precinct did a phenomenal job. The officers not only located my vehicle within 30 minutes at most, but they were able to retrieve the money that was stolen from my wallet without a cent missing. I know that those officers were just doing their job and they help people in much worse situations than I was in. But without them, I would have lost everything I have. —Kayla White, Airport Blvd.
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First support group held for recruits’ family members As Academy Class 61 prepared to transition into their new career as police officers, Kay Prine, wife of Captain Paul Prine, spoke to their family members to give insight on what to expect and how to support them. Expect long hours, shift work and extra jobs, Prine explained. And then she gave her testimony on how God, Jesus Christ, helped her through the stressful time of when her husband was shot in the line of duty in 2001. Her faith, she said, gave her the strength to cope. Prior to the event, Prine reached out to the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and requested “The Expositor’s New Testament, Counselor’s Edition” to The recruits hold in thier hands “The Expositor’s New Testament, Counselor’s Edition” Bible given to them as a gift from Kay Prine, pictured center, with Assistant give to the recruits who wanted one. Chief Godwin, Chief Battiste and Major Tims. This particular Bible gives spiritual enlightenment through the scriptures to help with issues that are generally specific to first responders such as suicide, depression and financial problems. Click here to obtain your free copy of The Expositor’s New Testament, Counselor’s Edition. Spouses of Lieutenant James Cunningham and Corporal Adam Partridge helped host the event with Chaplain Connick. The event was Dec. 12 at Our Lady of the Lourdes Church.
Awards luncheon honors 2018 Civilian Employees of the Month
Hilary Claw, Internal Affairs Unit, was one of 13 to get a round of applause for a job well done. Click here to view all pics.
Angel Howell, Communications Teleserv Unit, is one of the recipients honored at the Awards Luncheon.
An awards luncheon was held to honor our 2018 civilian employees of the month. The luncheon took place Dec. 14 in the JOC, and was organized by Captain Jonathan Lee, Lieutenant Matthew James, David Potts and Shameka Perryman. Chief Battiste was present to thank all recipients for their outstanding accomplishments. The employees recognized included Donna Betbeze, Hilary Claw, Kirby Briggs, Martha Barton, Jade Davis, Felicia Ngoc, Angel Howell, Olivia Bradley, Amanda Salas, Sheena Ivey, Veronica Williams, Anita Otis and Carol Carroll. Each received an award plaque, a $25 gift card from Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union, and an AFLAC water cup. January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat
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Academy Class 61 graduates determined to make a difference When you join the police force, you join a family. It’s not just a job. —Robert Walker Academy Class 61 began a new year with a welcome into the law enforcement family. The 25 recruits graduated from the Police Academy on Jan. 4 to become part of the great bond of law enforcment personnel. “Your success is our success, and your failure is our failure,” said keynote speaker Chief Division Counsel Douglas Astralaga of the FBI. Astralaga encouraged the graduates New officers Deffery Hollis, Timothy Hawthrone and Dwight Graham give reverence for the to trust in each other and to make invocation given by Dr. Alan Floyd, Cottage Hill Baptist Church, at the graduation ceremony. learning lifelong. He spoke about became a driving force drawing them closer as a family how people will now see them as heroes. and depending on one another to accomplish things they thought were impossible. Academy Class 61 triumph in their motto: Determined to make a difference in the community we serve. Class The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards. president Robert Walker said during the 16 weeks of David Sheritt received the Academic and Firearms Awards; training they went from “I” must strive harder to “we” must Jeffrey Taylor received the Driving Award; Blake Duke strive harder. “Find a way to win, there’s no excuse’” were earned the Physical Fitness and Chief’s Awards; and Joseph words they heard often from their corporal. The words Raebel was the recipient of the Community Service Award.
Nicole Claw, Cindy Morris, Corporal Patridge, Officer Norfus and Officer Penton are taking in all of the proud moments at the ceremony.
Officer Alijiah Reeves salutes the chiefs as he receives his badge and diplma. Reeves was one of 25 to walk across the stage.
Academy Class 61 president Robert Walker presents Chief Battiste with the class plaque after his speech.
Officer Caitlyn Williams, the only female in Academy Class 61, held the position of class leader. She salutes the squad for the final time.
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Holiday | MPDTheBeat JanuaryEdition2018 2013 - Newsletter Template