ONESHIFT CIT Y O F M O BIL E P UBL I C S AF E T Y E M P LOYE E MAG A Z I N E
Issue 3, December 2021
TIS’ THE SEASON OF GIVING Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association gifts their support
GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW MFRD TRAINING CENTER Victim Services’ Giving Tree Lighting Ceremony
JOY BEYOND EXPECTATION
Inspired by father, Firearms Instructor Brad Penton shoots for more than hits
THE LEADERS’ MESSAGE BOARD A Message from Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste
Greetings, As we continue to navigate our way through the dark high waters that we have had to engage during this COVID-19 pandemic, I remain impressed by your unfailing dedication to serving Mobile’s communities. Congratulations to William Jackson on his appointment as Assistant Chief of Police. I am confident that you will continue to serve the department well in your new position. Also, I am proud to extend congratulations to all of the officers who were recently promoted to new leadership roles and I admonish you to continue to serve the department in the dedicated manner in which you have always done. Mobile Fire-Rescue staff, you continue to respond to your calls for service, often under very uncertain circumstance, yet you never fail to do so.
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ublic safety is a collaborative service effort of the city’s police and fire departments to provide the optimum value of service to our communities.
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I feel compelled to repeat what I often say, it is in standing and working together that we will accomplish much for our citizens and business community, and rewards for each of us as individuals will be better for it. Congratulations respectively, to the Officer of the Month Paul Callegari and Firefighter of the Month Terry Fleming. You are certainly appreciated. I pray that each of you will have a blessed and safe Christmas holiday celebration and as always you and your families are in my prayers. Humbly appreciative to each of you,
Fire Chief Jeremy Lami
Hello everyone. We are only a few days away from Christmas and the start of a new year. 2021 has certainly presented challenges, but it’s also provided clarity regarding our mission. Our foundational purpose is to serve. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, we must stay committed to our mission and ultimately strive to improve the level of service we provide to the citizens of Mobile. You all have done a tremendous job of staying focused on the needs of others during times of uncertainty mainly caused by COVID-19. I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and I pray you enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends. For many of you, the holiday season is a reminder of your missing loved ones. My hope is your memories bring joy, not sadness or regret. I sincerely appreciate all that you do and look forward to serving alongside you in 2022. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Police Chief Paul Prine
As we are quickly coming to this year’s end, we have an opportunity to reflect on every aspect of our lives, not just as police officers and members of a law enforcement agency but most importantly as humankind. It is necessary that we serve one another by encouraging each other to reach for higher heights in life. Even with knowing this, each of us must bear in mind that we will face situations where we must rely on encouraging ourselves. Life’s every day challenges can be daunting. However, our strength to endure comes from within. As we go about ensuring that we cover all our bases at home, work and socially, I pray that each of you will take the time to reacquaint yourselves with your core values. That you will refresh yourselves, and realize what makes you the best you. This Christmas season, my hopes are that you are at peace. Let’s get so busy with loving life that there is no time for experiencing regret, hate or fear. “Mission First”
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THis Issue Contributors Officer Brad Penton MPD Firearms Training Unit Officer Albert White MPD Crime Scene Investigations Theresa D. Van Driessche, C. O. MFRD
PRAISE &RECOGNITION
from the community
Ruth Grant MPD Records Unit Stacey Woodyard MPD Victim Services Unit Tonya Calhoun MPD Office of the Chief Ronwick Thomas MPD Family Intervention Specialist Chaplain Ed Connick Brad Cooper Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Angel Cooper Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association
Editorial Staff
City of Mobile Public Safety Charlette Solis Public Affairs Manager Steven Millhouse Public Information Officer
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towed to the repair shop.
Extremely POSITIVE, Thank you! Our “new to us” 1993 Ford Econoline 15-passenger van broke down enroute to DWELL MOBILE to tutor a dozen Afrikaans Refugee school aged children ranging from 6 years old to 14 years old. After others had transported the children into DWELL MOBILE staff members’ vehicles, I stayed with the van until it was
Officer Matherne was extremey safety conscious in the heavy traffic, particularly as nighttime darkness beset the location. His personable, professional, courteous manner was so very much appreciated. The fear our youngest refugee child experienced BEFORE an officer arrived... His only thought of what to expect was brutality and a shooting. It’s a pity the children were already transported before Officer Matherne had arrived because his strong, calm, gentle manner might have helped this child, indeed all the
VSU’s Giving Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Victim Services Unit (VSU) is spreading the gift of joy this holiday season. The VSU staff has identified 24 children to participate in its Giving Tree Program. To kick off the event, a lighting ceremony of the Giving Tree was held at police headquarters on Monday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m.
The Victim Services Unit, along with Office of Strategic Initiatives Commander Graves, pictured with members of the MCPAAA.
Chief Prine shared that he has first-hand knowledge of how being a victim affects people and family. He too was a victim 20 years ago when shot in the line of duty. “This is a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the victims and the pain and suffering they go through,” Chief Prine said. “We understand the emotional toll and financial toll.” Before the lighting of the Giving Tree by Chief Prine, he hoped for the best this holiday season for all victims. The RSA Towers was lit up in gold, silver and blue that night in recognition of VSU’s efforts to give to those affected by crime.
Special thanks to Mr. Sandy Delchamps for procuring the Christmas tree, the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association for the tree decorations and tree preparation, the Chaplain Corps for providing refreshments at the event and the support of Cops for Kids. This year, VSU has assisted many victims during some of the most difficult times in their lives. An additional helping hand and act of kindness during the holidays further lets them know that MPD cares. The gift-giving presentation to the children of some of the victims served by VSU takes place Tuesday, December 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at police headquarters.
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Public Safety Photo of the Month
Taken minutes before the MFRD Training Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
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EMBARKING ON A NEW CAREER Meet the New Mobile Fire-Rescue Dispatchers
From left, Patrice Brown, Christa Blackburn and Summer Barnett
September 13th marked the start of training for three new members of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Communications Division. Public Safety Dispatchers Patrice Brown, Christa Blackburn and Summer Barnett recently completed their 8-week classroom portion of MFRD’s Public Safety Dispatcher I Training Program. Classroom training included certification in APCO’s Public Safety Telecommunicator I and Fire Service Communications, International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Fire and Emergency Medical Dispatch. Other courses completed were CPR, Geography for Public Safety Dispatch, Fire Station Tours as well as training in the usage of the department’s Computer-
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Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, as well as departmental telephone and radio equipment. They now begin the next phase of training at the “live console” which includes taking 9-1-1 calls and dispatching fire and EMS apparatus with the assistance of an experienced dispatcher by their side. This portion can take several months with some progressing faster than others depending on skills and experience they may have brought with them to the job. The MFRD Communications Team has been most helpful to these new employees as they embark on their new career path. We look forward to working with them and welcome them to the MFRD Family!
Williamson High student gets MPD’s help to start a garden
Family Intervention Specialist Ronwick Thomas pictured on the tractor and then he helps the students prepare for the gardening project.
Each year at Williamson High School, a student is chosen to design, develop and implement a community activity. This year, in response to Red Ribbon Week, student LaAngel Peterson gets assistance from the Mobile Police Department. Family Intervention Specialist Ronwick Thomas directs LaAngel to create something rewarding. She also gets a few middle school students involved to help plant seeds. The goal at the end of this project is to share produce with the community. LaAngel is a sophomore who enjoys giving back and helping other students succeed.
PRAYER & FELLOWSHIP IN JANUARY
The 23rd Annual Law Enforcement Prayer Luncheon is Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Chaplain Corps, it is always well-attended by federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies. All are welcome to attend.
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Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association gifts their support
MCPAA members pose for a picture with Public Safety Director Battiste, Chief Prine and Chaplain Connick at the MPD Promotion Ceremony.
By Bradford D. Cooper, MCPAA President It’s not known whether or not we’re rounding the corner related to COVID. Every time we turn around there’s more news one way or the other. One thing is for certain, there is excitement and energy within Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (MCPAAA), as participation events are opening up again. Our team is encouraged to be back at work doing what it loves to do — engaging with the community and supporting those who serve. I am referring to the heroes who choose to protect our great city. Maybe I’m an eternal optimist. It would not be the first time I’ve been accused. I accept the label. Those who know me would agree I have a high level of energy, motivation, and drive, sometimes to a fault. I have a committed work ethic, devoted duty to succeed, and genuine desire to help others. My faith is strong but often challenged. My belief in American freedom, unwavering, O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 0
kindness and decency is given to anyone I meet. I’m non-judgmental, I am very forgetful (you should see the lists I keep), and get great satisfaction from completing a task and being able to say to myself, “That was a job well done.” I rarely boast or brag except occasionally to myself, and as I stated in my comments starting with, “I’m an eternal optimist…” All this is to say, not one team member in MCPAAA can do it alone, and I am so thankful to our devoted board and to each of our members for the dedication and sense of duty each volunteer freely provides to this incredible association. Our team has many folks with similar ambitions and levels of energy. As one, we are making it happen. Thank you! When I share our extensive list of accomplishments, which span the past five years, the next statement I immediately hear is: “Wow, y’all do a lot of stuff!” Then, “I never knew there was a Citizen Police Academy!” That “Ah ha” moment.
MCPAAA members decorating the VSU Giving Tree.
MCPAAA out supporting the Crime Prevention 5K run.
The “done” list is quite extensive and made possible because of the pride each member takes in the presentation of our product, our brand, our smiling faces, and our cooperation! It is not going unnoticed. Our energy matters and is felt. Our presence brings excitement and appreciation. Our dedication is valued.
the incredible men and women who choose to live in and protect our fabulous community. With every encounter, conversation, and/or event we staff, we are reminded this is NOT for or about us.
If you haven’t viewed our list of accomplishments, there are printed copies available and we always encourage our members to proudly and confidently share it with friends, family, and community business associates. We are quite incredibly awesome and a very worthy association with which to partner. Our volunteers love spending their time, energy, and in some cases resources to support
We are here to support our officers and to promote and enhance the relationship of the Mobile Police Department within our community. We hope you will take opportunity to learn about us and share your experience with your friends and family. Thank you for supporting Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association’s initiatives and for your dedication to volunteering your time, enthusiasm, resources, appreciation, and words of encouragement.
Crime Scene Investigator presents at Theodore
Crime Scene Investigator Albert White gave Theodore High School students a lesson on forensics. During his school visit, the students learned about the duties of a crime scene investigator. He engaged the students by setting up a mock crime scene where they had to determine what happened. He also showed them how blue star is used to make blood visible and gave them a chance to do fingerprinting.
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JOY BEYOND EXPECTATION Inspired by father, Firearms Instructor Brad Penton shoots for more than hits
I was born and raised in Mobile. As a young child, my father was a reserve officer with the City of Mobile Police Department. At that time, they allowed civilians to complete a curriculum of training which occurred during the evenings and on weekends. I saw my dad put on that Mobile Police uniform and walk out the door to voluntarily go serve the citizens of Mobile. I looked up to him. I respected what he did. Because of my age, I didn’t fully grasp the dangers that he faced doing this. It was the 1970s and it was still a violent time in our country’s history. In my early 20s, I still hadn’t figured out what I wanted to do with my life, other than being a rock-n-roll drummer in a band. Lieutenant John Graham, then a sergeant, was a courtesy officer at the apartment complex where the girl I was dating worked as a manager. I ended up spending some time with Sergeant Graham and listened to a bunch of his cop stories. Coincidentally, the television show “COPS” had just started airing, and the rest is history. I just knew I wanted to do what Sergeant Graham and the officers in “COPS” were doing. This was a time in American History that kids still grew up wanting to be police officers. It was an honorable profession and the respect people had for law enforcement was palpable. The first time I took the test at the Mobile County Personnel Board was with over 2,000 applicants. I placed in the top 200, but still didn’t get hired. In the world we live in now we couldn’t even hope to get 200 applicants much less 2,000. I then found out about the Public Safety
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Officer Classification with the Mobile County Personnel Board. This was a law enforcement position, which also fought fires. One would drive to the scene, remove the gun belt, shirt and vest off, and put on the turnout gear which was kept in the trunk of the car. Fires were fought along one or two full-time firefighters, which were on duty. Afterward, you helped get the fire truck replenished for the next fire and then you went back on patrol. I ended up being hired by the City of Chickasaw and started my law enforcement career on Friday, September 9, 1995. I served 17 years there before coming to the Mobile Police Department. I never had any desire to be a firefighter, and it was while working as a Public Safety Officer I discovered how much I truly loathed fighting fires! I respect what firefighters do. They really work hard when they are fighting fires, and it’s exhausting. It is also something for which I wanted no part. My goal when joining the Mobile Police Department was always to obtain a training
some stress. Shooting on the clock while other people are watching adds more stress. If I could perform and not let the stress rattle me, I was (for lack of a better term) creating some stress inoculation. Around the time I had made the decision to shoot competitively, I found out that my dad had been diagnosed with cancer. He was unable to shoot competitions with me so I would shoot a competition and then go see him. We would talk about the competition and maybe, in some small way, he could live vicariously through me. As my dad’s condition worsened, I was spending more of my off time with him. Shooting competitions gave me an escape. I could go shoot a competition and kind of get a break from the reality of the fate I was having to accept about my dad’s cancer.
position. After working patrol and general investigations for a while, I was finally able to get assigned full time to the Metro Range and I have been here for over three years. My heart is truly in training, specifically teaching new recruits, and doing my best to make sure they have the best training they can receive. I take it personally. I’d like to say the Mobile Police Department Firearms Training Unit has the finest firearms instructors they could ever hope to have. The things our unit is able to accomplish with recruit training and in-service training is second to none. I will put our Firearms Training Unit up against any other law enforcement agency in the country. What we do works, and it works in such a short time. Outside agencies, including the FBI, don’t see how we do it. A little over five years ago, I got back into shooting competitions. I say got back into, as I shot some with my dad years ago. My dad and I talked about getting back into competitive shooting but just never got around to it. I wanted to start shooting competitively for a couple of reasons. I wanted to improve my firearms skills, and I wanted to add stress to my shooting. Anytime you are on a clock it adds
When that timer went off and I began to shoot, it was just me and the gun —shooting my stage plan, figuring out where I was going to make my magazine changes, focusing on the fundamentals of shooting, making good hits, and doing my best. Afterward, I could still talk to my dad about how I shot. After I lost my dad, I continued shooting. One or two competitions a month became three or four, and I began shooting more disciplines. I guess if I have to say it, when I shoot it’s just me, but deep down I like to imagine my dad is there with me in some way. He would have enjoyed shooting with me again, and I know he would be very proud of what I’ve accomplished. Here I am years later, and I currently have classifications in four different disciplines. I really love shooting competitively and believe it gives credibility to my instruction. I’m not just telling you how to shoot, I’m actually doing what I teach, and having a decent amount of success at it. I’ve tried to encourage a lot of officers to come with me to shoot a local match. It’s a great way to improve your firearms skills and stop worrying about that clock ticking away in your head. I’ll keep inviting officers, and maybe one day more will come with me to shoot a match and see how much fun they will have —while training for the gun fight that we all pray will never come. •Submitted by Angel Cooper, MCPAAA
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Groundbreaking for new MFRD Training Center
The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department recently broke ground on a new training facility that will help prepare the next generation of firefighters to continue providing the best fire and rescue service to the citizens of Mobile. On November 18, Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Fire Chief Lami spoke to the press about MFRD’s path to becoming the premier fire department of the southeast. To the left is the facility master plan. The building that will be constructed on-site is approximately 5,800 square feet. It consists of classroom space for 30 recruits, a testing room for 20 recruits, locker rooms and shower rooms and other amenities as well adminstrative space. The building will be positioned on the site to allow for expansion to the north and south as the training program develops.
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Honors & Congrats!
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER 2021
Terry Fleming Fire Service Driver
Firefighter John Mullen shows up to support his friend Officer Tyrone Smith at the Mobile Police Academy Class 67 Graduation Ceremony. Officer Smith received the Physical Fitness Award.
‘SOUNDS LIKE ZERO TO ME’
Throughout Police Academy Class 67’s training, they learned to perfect whatever they were taught, even if it meant restarting a task to achieve the desired outcome. “Sounds like zero to me” was their class motto and the meaning of that phrase will always hold significance. The graduation ceremony for the 16 newest officers was held November 23 at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. View photos.
FAITH SHIELDS by Ruth Grant
OFFICER OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER 2021
Paul Callegari Central Precint
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. (O Holy Night)” What a beautiful verse! It reminds us of the reason for the season. While the world was yet in a state of destruction; Jesus, the Son of God and the Light of the World, did appear and gifted deliverance. There is no greater gift ever given than the gift of JESUS. I wish you all a very safe, glorious, and Merry Christmas.
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CELEBRATING
In a MFRD promotion ceremony held at the Ben May Main Library in the Bernheim Hall, five were promoted to fire service captain. Congrats Captain Christopher Coffey, Captain Micah Colins, Captain Stacy Everson, Captain Adam Green and Captain Andrew Sanders! Three were promoted to fire service driver and they are Sean Grizzle, Joseph Machen III and Nickolas Wilkinson. The newly-promoted captains and drivers received their new field assignments and embraced their leadership roles. Best success to you all.
Captain Christopher Coffey shakes hands with the chiefs and receives his helmet.
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Fire Service Driver Nickolas Wilkinson pictured with his son after the ceremony.
PROMOTIONS
Promoted to lead is the mission of the 36 officers who moved up in rank on December 3. The promotion ceremony was held at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. Congrats to Major Melvin Jones, Major William Reed, Captain Lee Laffitte, Captain Angela Prine, Lieutenant Jimmy Bailey, Lieutenant Scott Congleton, Lieutenant Michael Coo, Lieutenant Robert Davis, Sergeant John Forward, Sergeant Jarod Gee, Sergeant Rusty Hodskins, Sergeant Darlene Looney, Sergeant Terence Perkins, Sergeant Tilford Saunders, Sergeant John Spottswood, Sergeant Benjamin Towarnyckyj, Sergeant Jennifer Wilson, Corporal Noah Anderson, Corporal Gregory Arrington, Corporal Aaron Atkins, Corporal John Canning, Corporal Kyle Carag, Corporal Shaun Christian, Corporal Frank Collier III, Corporal David Conditt, Corporal Eugene Evans, Corporal Wilfredo Fernandez, Corporal Katrina Frazier, Corporal Brennon Garcia, Corporal Steve Hassell, Corporal Christopher Main, Corporal Nathaniel McCarty, Corporal Shalitha Nelson, Corporal Paul Onderdonk, Corporal Kenyada Taylor, and Corporal Ophelia Weathington!
Corporal Kenyada Taylor takes a picture with Sergeant Pat Sanders. Corporal Shalita Nelson and Corporal Kyle Carag getting badges pinned. O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 7
