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
MPDTheBeat
Janaury 2019 ISSUE 15
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF FALLEN OFFICER SEAN TUDER
“BOY II POLICEMAN” Rookie Officer Timothy Hawthorne tells how he got there
PROJECT THRIVE ON THE MUSIC SCENE to give victims of trauma hope and healing
Prayer Luncheon honors Billa as Hometown Hero
Officer of the Month
A MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV
The Calling of a Police Officer Engraved in the Heart The New Year has come. We celebrate it with optimism for a brighter, healthier and more peaceful time. But as life would have it, sprinkled within the midst of all of our optimism, there is a reality that we as law enforcement officers have to always keep somewhere in the innermost part of our thoughts the grave possibility that one of us may not make it home from his/her tour of duty. With great sadness on Sunday, January 20, 2019 we had to experience deep veined grief in the loss of our brother, Officer Sean Tuder. It is a loss that reminds us once again the calling of a police officer is engraved within the call’s heart. Many have compared the lives of humankind to that of a tree. Some trees will only grow as tall as grass, others grow as tall as some rooftops, but yet others tower above all else as if to reach the skies. But its life accomplishes all that it is meant to accomplish before it is hewn down, or nature takes its course. Some trees offer nutrition, shade, teaching and utensils to be used for our learning. Some tower above others and cause them to look up to them to see their strengths, their attributes and their beauty, and demand that they try to grow to their full potential for however long their lifespan may be. Officer Sean Tuder was a tree that grew to offer shade to those he served as protector from harm to life and property; one who energetically believed that “a law enforcement officer is never ‘off duty’; indeed a public servant who was sworn to protect the public safety at any time and place where peace may be threatened. A Tree by Poorvi Anchalia I enter the earth as a small plant Tiny and helpless like an infant Then I grow up and become as active As a school child Very strong and very wild Then comes the stage when I am of middle age Commanding and brave Like a sailor who can withstand the gigantic waves After a few years I turn old and my growth becomes slow And I start to lose all my beauty and glow In my younger years I was healthy and fresh Now my health is in a bit of a mess But whatever age I am, I’ll not stop giving you fruits Unless you pull me out of the soil by my ROOTS!!
We cannot see into the future, nor do we get to choose how our stories end, but we all do have an opportunity to embrace life more fervently. Thank you to everyone, whatever you have done, or continue to do for our fallen. Your love and kindness is not without notice and your reward for it shall be great. In closing, I admonish us all to rededicate ourselves to life as a memorial to Officer Sean Tuder and all who have gone before us. Take time for healthy growth – spiritually, morally, mentally, emotionally and physically. I remain appreciative to each of you.
Joshua Nix, Officer of the Month for December 2018, joined the force in June 2011. Nix works patrol in the Second Precinct. With his keen attention to detail, Nix apprehended several suspects connected to vehicle and residential burglaries and thefts. Read more about Nix’s accomplishments.
Griffin Mullinix, Officer of the Month for January 2019, joined the department in September 2016, and is currently assigned to work patrol in the Third Precinct. For the month of January, he responded to 93 calls for service, backed on 65 other calls, and made four felony and 77 misdemeanor arrests. Mullinix removed drugs and stolen guns off the streets and cleared several outstanding warrants. Read more about Mullinix’s accomplishments. EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Charlette Solis 208.1918 Corporal LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926
THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS
Lieutenant Travis Dannelley Corporal Michael Ellzey Officer Blakely Miles Tonya Calhoun Chaplain Ed Connick Heidi Robinson Kim Zirlott Cover Photo Courtesy of Mike Kittrell
Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org
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Project THRIVE on the music scene to give victims of trauma hope and healing Project THRIVE is giving a unique dose of healing to help traumatized victims of violence recover. Led by the Mobile Police Department Office of Strategic Initiatives, Project THRIVE is joining SouthSounds to offer a songwriter competition. SouthSounds Music and Arts Festival is known as the first and most successful festival in the country dedicated to showcasing new Southern musicians and artists. Therefore, it’s a perfect platform for attaining the goal of making Mobile a traumainformed community by way of music. Project THRIVE is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of partnering agencies from therapists to educators who truly believe that music has healing powers. They attest that music can help heal emotional wounds and improve social functioning and quality of life. “Trauma, whether physical or mental, leaves an imprint on the life of its victims and those who love and support them,” said Curtis Graves, commander of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. After serving over 25 years in law enforcement as a homicide detective and child sex abuse investigator, Graves has witnessed the horrible impact of violent crimes against victims first-hand. He has also experienced the impact of vicarious trauma – countless times taking the faces of victims etched in his mind to bed at night.
to making Mobile a trauma-informed community,” Ulmer added.
“Often, many voiceless victims succumb to the effects of trauma by self-medicating with drugs and alcohol,” Graves explained. “They become forever trapped in their moment of horror with no relief.”
The submission window for the Project THRIVE Songwriter Competition opens online at mobilepd.org/ songwriter March 1, 2019 and closes at 11:59 p.m. March 15, 2019. To enter is free.
The Project THRIVE Songwriter Competition is an opportunity for songwriters to help lift traumatized victims by giving them a song spirited with healing and triumph. It’s also designed so that the citizens of Mobile can educate themselves on the causes and effects of trauma.
Songs will be blindly judged based on melody, composition, originality and lyrics. Winners will be announced on April 1, 2019.
“By raising awareness of Project THRIVE through music we will be able to connect the dots,” said Brandyn Ulmer, CEO of Atlas Industrial Outsourcing and a Project THRIVE agency partner. “Those dots represent the victims of trauma and the resources available to help them.” “Music is powerful, and if we harness that power to affect life in a positive way then we are one step closer
The winners of the competition will be invited to perform their song on stage at the SouthSounds Music and Arts Festival held April 12 – 14, 2019 in Downtown Mobile. Winning submissions will be released on a Project THRIVE digitally-distributed compilation album. Proceeds of album sales will be reinvested back into Project THRIVE. The funds will be used to expand its mission of helping victims overcome trauma due to violent events.
MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community Thank you for responding to the shots fired at Sunshine Skating Rink tonight (Jan. 5) and to all the kids who ran up and down Hillcrest. My daughter and her friends made it to Krispy Kreme and you were there almost as quickly as they were. The officers gently interviewed traumatized children and were very courteous with everyone. Thank you for protecting and serving us tonight as always. My daughter said when she saw you pull up, from the inside of Krispy Kreme, she knew they were all safe. —Melody Lawrence Scott, MPD Facebook Follower January 2013January - Newsletter 2019 |Template MPDTheBeat
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Message to persevere given at law enforcement prayer luncheon At the 21st annual Law Enforcement Prayer Luncheon, Archbishop of Mobile Thomas J. Rodi addressed nearly 300 law enforcement personnel with a message about perseverance. In the midst of criticism and complaints, Rodi said do not become discouraged and do not focus on the negative. “I pray that you have a spirit of perseverance,” he said. “Stay true to the great contribution you’ve made for the good of society.” Rodi called the law enforcement officers heroes, and asked that they remember the difference between celebrity and heroism. “Celebrities are honored because they show off,” he said. “We honor heroes because they show up.” The Chaplain Offices of the Mobile Police Department and Mobile County Sheriff’s Office host the prayer luncheon each year and name the Hometown Hero. This year, fallen Officer Justin Billa was recognized with the honor. Erin and the Billa family were present to accept the award. Donations were accepted and made to the Justin Billa Memorial Foundation and the Family of the Fallen. A total of $3,066 was raised. Top photo: Rodi speaking to law enforcement personnel at the prayer luncheon held Jan. 10 at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Chaplain Ed Connick, pictured right on stage, gives closing remarks after the bag pipes performed by John Spivey, MCSO.
Happy Retirement Lieutenant Smith!
Lieutenant Robert Smith worked for the Mobile Police Department for 27 years. Smith joined the force in October 1992. To celebrate his years of service, his brothers in blue honored him on Jan. 10 at Amelia’s Restaurant on Hwy. 90. Pictured from left, Sergeant John Young, Sergeant Charles Welch, Smith, Sergeant Sherrod Phillips and Sergeant Paul Hosford.
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Remembering Fallen Officer Sean Tuder: ‘We will continue to fight’ Public Safety Director James Barber to law enforcement attending Officer Tuder’s funeral — “I have something to ask of you. I want you to honor Sean Tuder. I want you to honor Sean Tuder and every officer that has fallen in the line of duty. Because when you leave here today and you return to your prospective towns and cities, and whether it occurred in your city or mine, when you put on that uniform and you put on that badge, you do so with pride and respect that you deserve. You stand up straight and lift your chins to a grateful nation and a grateful community and you will do your duty and so will we, with courage to always do that which is right and righteous despite the criticism we may receive MPD Honor Guard Corporal Adam Patridge, Officer Taylor Wood, Detective Julius Nettles and and we will continue to be leaders in our Corporal Joseph Goff. communities, especially during times of controversy, crisis, or conflict. And, we will always remain dedicated to our oath of office and the law enforcement code of ethics. And we will continue to fight, my brothers and sisters, we will continue to fight because we must, for the hope that one day, just one day, we will never have to gather like this again.”
Fallen Officer Sean Tuder’s funeral service was held Jan. 25 at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. Chaplain Connick read the obituary. Reverend Dr. Blake Newsom gave the message. Tuder was laid to rest at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Photo above: Chief Battiste salutes as Fallen Officer Sean Tuder’s pall bearers escorts him from Dauphin Way Baptist Church with Krissy and family members following. Right photos: The funeral procession traveling to Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE KITTRELL January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template January | MPDTheBeat
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Civilian Employee of the Month
Welcome new Communications Unit employees The Communications Unit has seven new operators on board. On Feb. 2, the operators were welcomed to the team. They are Shannon Banks, Alicia Bates, Betheny Henry, Michael Leveridge, Stephanie Simpson, Gabrielle Washington and Zoe Zirlott.
Carol Carroll
Carol Carroll received the Civilian Employee of the Month Award for December 2018. Serving as a public safety dispatcher since November 2011, Carroll is commended for her role in keeping the community safe. She is recognized for helping officers in the field quickly apprehend a burglary suspect. On Dec. 14, 2018, Carroll was assigned to the Fourth Precinct dispatch channel. She received a call at 10:14 a.m. with information that three suspects were breaking into a residence at the 9200 block of Homestead Court. She immediately dispatched units to the call giving them all the pertinent information. After verifying vehicle description with the complainant, she provided it to the units. Once determined the vehicle was stolen, Carroll also updated the units with that information. Officers continued to pursue the suspects as Carroll continued to provide all the information she was receiving from several screens called in by various citizens. When officers spotted the vehicle involved in the burglary, they followed it into the Glen Arbor apartment complex. The driver struck another vehicle and then a tree bringing the vehicle to a stop. Three armed male suspects exited the vehicle and fled
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Angela Spurlock
on foot into the wood line. Approximately two hours later one suspect was seen exiting the wooded area. He was captured and arrested.
The new operators will either begin their on-thejob training for call-taking procedures or will be attending class to obtain thier Association PublicSafety Commuinications Officials Telecommunicator’s certification. They are all enthusiastic in begining their new career as a public safety dispatcher.
Girl Scout cookies, anyone?
Angela Spurlock was honored as the Civilian Employee of the Month for January 2019. Spurlock is a public safety dispatcher II in the Communications Unit. She is recognized for serving both citizens and officers exceptionally and for her dedication to duty and quick thinking. On Jan. 12, 2019 at approximately 5:18 p.m., the Third Precinct units were dispatched to a missing person call at Mobile Infirmary. The missing person was a 74-yearold woman who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and was dressed only in a robe. Spurlock dispatched additional units as well as the precinct supervisors. As daylight disappeared, the fear was that the elderly woman would be out in inclement weather overnight. Without being asked to do so, Spurlock checked the missing woman’s driver’s license for an address. She quickly advised the units that the woman’s home address was not far from the hospital. A unit responded to the location and was able to find the woman safe. She had walked from the hospital to her residence on Springhill Ave.
Chief Battiste met girl scout Madison Williams and invited her to police headquarters on Thursday, Jan. 31. She asked him if he would like to buy some Girl Scout cookies. Of course, he said yes in support of the local Girl Scout troops.
Save the Date
The Mobile Police Department & Mobile Fire-Rescue Department Family Picnic is Sunday, Aug. 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Camp Grace. It’s a family fun day for all!
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Boy II Policeman: Rookie Officer Hawthrone tells how he got there
Officer Timothy Hawthrone was registered to start the EMT program at Faulkner State Community College when the call he had waited for his entire boyhood finally came. “It’s crazy because the day I went to pay my fees to get books and uniforms, the Bursar’s Office was closed,” Hawthrone says. “Every other office on campus was open except it.”
officer and encouraging him to stay out of trouble. He says he talked to Officer Gary Owens who put in a good word for him, after trying twice to obtain a cadet position. As a young boy what Hawthorne experienced as a thrill
While traveling back home from the Bay Minette campus he noticed a missed call on his cell phone. Knowing that his phone would shut down at any moment due to a bad battery, he listened to the voice message and copied the number down quickly. The next thing Hawthrone remembers is that he had a hire date to start as a cadet for the Mobile PD. He was now closer to becoming a police officer. It was meant to be. At 8 years old, Hawthrone took a picture standing in front of the Police Academy. He lived off Montgomery Street in the Birdsville area, and just about every day he would take a walk with his grandmother to Officer Timothy Hawthorne in a photo with Lieutenant Darrly McMillan Sr. who just pass by the Police Academy. His eyes would happened to be at the Police Academy that day. be glued on the recruits. This particular day his grandmother purposely brought her camera with to be a first responder —from observing the recruits at hopes to be able to get a picture for him with a police the Police Academy during walks with his grandmother, officer. Lieutenant Darryl McMillan Sr. was there and watching numerous episodes of “COPS” and learning graciously welcomed a photo Hawthrone would add to his from his mentors —directed his journey to become a treasure collection. policeman. At the age of 20, Hawthrone graduated from the Police Academy in Class 61. His mother knew that he was excited about becoming a police officer so she asked if he would be interested in the When asked about what he dreams to accomplish next, Mobile Police Department Explorer Program, geared for Hawthrone says he wants to help people. kids who lived in public housing to help them stay out of trouble. At age 12, Hawthrone became an Explorer. “It’s not all about you got a gun, a car and uniform to make you look good, it’s all about trying to help somebody. I “I never missed a meeting,” he says. “I showed up for every always wanted to be that type of person.” Mardi Gras parade with McGruff and danced. I dressed up as McGruff only one time because I wanted to be seen.” Hawthrone is still in the FTO program working Fourth Precinct. He’s been trained by Officer Matthew Towey and Hawthrone credits former Officer Reginald Smith, Ranger Officer Leslie Little. Hawthrone says after FTO he hopes to Unit, for inspiring him much more to become a police be assigned to First Precinct —his home ground. January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template January | MPDTheBeat
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Dawes Intermediate students learn ID
Dawes Intermediate School reached out to the Mobile Police Department Speakers Bureau to request an expert in crime scene investigations. The students received a visit from Officer Albert White, Identification Unit, for an educational hands-on presentation early February. One of the teachers at the school is wife of Corporal Michael Ellzey, Robbery Unit.
McCarty’s talk at Pillans
Officer Nathaniel McCarty speaks with students at Pillans Middle School on Jan. 11. McCarty tells the students that they have a choice, just make the right choice. He presents the “You Still Have a Choice” program in an effort to keep the students on a positive track away from crime. McCarty will deliver the presentation at several other schools.
G.R.E.A.T. facilitator Sergeant Byron Sutherland
Sergeant Byron Sutherland taught fourth grade students at Whitley Elementary School how to be great citizens. Sutherland is a Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) facilitator. Nearly 40 students graduated from the program on Friday, Feb. 1 and were given certificates. The G.R.E.A.T. Program is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. It’s proven itself as effective in establishing positive relationships between youth and law enforcement at the most critical stage of personal development. The Office of Strategic Initiatives oversees the program.
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