MA KI NG MOBI LE T HE S A FES T CI T Y I N AMER I C A WI TH RE S PEC T F OR E V ERYON E
MPDTheBeat
JUNE 2018 ISSUE 10
POLICE ACADEMY CLASS #60 GRADUATION CEREMONY
BOOTS AND BADGES INAUGURAL KIDS CAMP
MPD VS MFRD
“TURN ON THE LIGHTS”
MOTOR OFFICERS GET TOP HONORS IN REGIONAL COMPETITION
David Conditt Officer of the Month
A MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF OF POLICE “No man or woman is an island. To exist just for you is meaningless. You can achieve the most satisfaction when you feel related to some greater purpose in life, something greater than yourself.”
— Denis Waitley
Putting independence in its respective perspective I hope each of you enjoyed a safe celebration of this nation’s Independence Day. To those of us who worked on this holiday, “Thank you”, as your service is highly appreciated. Although filled with various celebratory events, family gatherings, beach trips, or just lounging around to get some much needed rest, I hope each of us took time to reflect on the importance of putting “independence” in its respective perspective. Not in part, but as a whole, we see independence as the right to be free of dictatorships of all forms. We have the privilege of enjoying free thinking and freedom of speech. We enjoy a society that with all of its freedoms it has wholly established the need for law and order. For with every freedom there is possibly a negative consequence which is subject to be measured against the scale of civil liberties. Robert Kennedy once said, “Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists on.” The head rules the body. The body follows the order that the head has established. We must rule with passion, compassion, dignity, virtue, and an unlimited desire to remain untainted in our enforcement duty. The order of our civilized culture mandates that we adhere to laws that are for the good and betterment of our citizenry. Nevertheless, we must always remember that law enforcement wears many hats. Among them are servants, yet citizens. We cannot serve fervently without remembering that we too are citizens of this sovereign land. As we seek to enforce the laws, we must also seek to influence order, because laws alone do not establish order. Laws without order are simply words of thought that provoke enforcement. But when order is established, laws are then enforced with more effectiveness. It’s important to serve to fulfill a greater purpose in life. Congratulations to Officer David Conditt for your exemplary work and being selected as the Officer of the Month. In addition, congratulations to PSD I Felicia Ngoc who was selected as the Civilian Employee of the Month. Your service to the department and the community is greately appreciated. Captain Douglas Parmenter recently retired after over 27 years of valued service. Our congratulations and best wishes are extended to him for an enjoyable future.
The Mobile Police Department honors David Conditt as Officer of the Month for May 2018. With more than 10 years on the force, Conditt works patrol in Precinct 1. Conditt is recognized for the tremendous job he’s done in actively locating and arresting several suspects wanted for burglaries, robberies, thefts and other offense. Read more about Conditt’s accomplishments.
EVENT CALENDAR SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 10AM-2PM
MPD FAMILY PICNIC
Camp Grace, 11081 Wanda Dr. A family fun day for all with games, food and fellowship. A waiver is required for swimming, canoeing and boating. Registration deadline July 27. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 6:30PM
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S SPOUSE DINNER Luke 4:18 Fellowship, 2664 Sollie Road Speaker is Maria Greenwald, wife of a line of duty death officer Charles Greenwald. No cost. RSVP by Aug. 8.
Call 423-6266 or email edward.connick@ cityofmobile.org to attend these events. EDITORIAL CONTACT
Last month, the MPD Ballers had the privilege of participating in a benefit basketball game against the Hurricanes, the Parks & Recreation Department Special Activities Division team. All proceeds from the game benefited the Hurricanes’ participation in the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, WA. Thank you all for all that you do. I remain humbly appreciative to each of you and may God bless you all.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Charlette Solis ext. 1918 Corporal LaDerrick Dubose ext. 1926
THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Meosha Hart Heidi Robinson Chaplain Ed Connick ON THE COVER: Celina Lowe Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org
2
January June 20132018 - Newsletter Template | MPDTheBeat
Recruitment Open House attracts a pool of applicants
Corporal Allison Garafola greets interested applicants during the Recruitment Open House held at the Police Academy May 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Recruitment Team showcased Mobile’s finest at its recent Recruitment Open House. Potential recruits saw firsthand the variety of specialized positions available in a career as a Mobile police officer. Nearly 70 people attended. Corporals Allison Garafola and Latonya Thompson welcomed the applicants and provided information on the application process, benefits and pay, and the selection process. On the outside, the SWAT Unit, Mounted Unit, Marine Detail, Motorcycle Detail, and K-9 Detail set up their equipment, provided live demonstrations and talked about how they protect and serve the city in their specialized positions. The goal was for potential recruits to see the vast opportunities that awaits for them if they were to pursue a career in law enforcement. Several members of the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association were in attendance and assisted with providing the refreshments for the open house event. Recruiting efforts are year-round but this event was held especially to fill the upcoming fall class, which has 45 seats. Right Photo: Officer Tanner Whipkey, SWAT team member, explains what he has on table display and the purpose of the SWAT Unit. Bottom Photo: Homeland Security Unit Marine Detail Justin Hill talks about his work experiences to the group of potential recruits. January June 20132018 - Newsletter Template | MPDTheBeat
3
Mounted Unit’s Boots and Badges Kids Camp The Boots and Badges Kids Camp was fun and educational, and the kids had the best time of their little lives. Twenty-four of them, ages 6 to 13, spent four action-packed days with the mounted police officers. Activities consisted of learning the parts of a horse, arts and crafts, tack and arena games including corn hole, bean bag horse, horse shoes and relay races. In the large arena, the kids got pony rides. During petting zoo time the kids washed the horses and learned how to feed and care them. Another part of their experience was seeing the Mounted Unit officers perform a demonstration using smoke, flares and fire to show how horses respond to such situations.
The Mounted Unit staff takes a group picture at the inaugural Boots and Badges Kids Camp. Each day, the kids learned something fun and new about the barn and horses. Staff members, from left, Sergeant Ernest Woodard, Officers Michael Beadnell, Cathryn Cormier, Aaron McKee, John Schaffer and Jason Martin.
4
The Mounted Unit offered two camp dates, June 4 through June 7 and June 18 through 21. VIEW MORE PHOTOS
June 2018 | MPDTheBeat January 2013 - Newsletter Template
MPD vs. MFRD in “Turn on the Lights” basketball game at Sage Park Does score really matter? Well, here ya have it —42 to 29. An MPD loss and win for MFRD. But what can you say when MFRD recruits NFL Buffalo Bills quarterback AJ McCarron as one of its players. Regardless, MPD played hard and had fun doing so all for a good cause. The inaugural basketball game was held by Councilman Fred Richardson to celebrate lights being installed at the Sage Park basketball court. The court, which opened last year, has quickly become a key amenity for the park and district.
From left, Corporal Michael Cook, Captain Jonathan Lee, Officer Dennis Owens, Major Randy Jackson, Officer Randy Peyton, Officer Brennan Doggett, Chief Battiste, Corporal Joshua Jones, Officer Blakely Miles, Officer Tilford Saunders, and Officer Vincent Chestang. MPD squared off against MFRD on June 18.
Councilman Richardson speaks at the inaugaral basketball game with Mayor Stimpson, Chief Battiste and MFRD Tony McCarron.
Watch FOX SPORTS Coverage of the basketball game.
AJ McCarron boxes out his competition as Captain Jonathan Lee shoots at the free throw line.
Family Intervention Team participates in Latin American Food Festival On Saturday, June 9, Family Intervention Team specialists Iris Smith-Franklin and Gloria Hill set up a table with helpful information at the Latin American Food Festival. The team reached an estimated 30 adults and 35 children. The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Women Association of Mobile. Established since 2004, the association’s mission is to help people in distress while strengthening the attachment of the Hispanic community. Franklin has attended the festival for the past three years raising awareness on the Mobile Police Department Office of Strategic Initiatives provided services. January 2013 - Newsletter Template June 2018 | MPDTheBeat
5
Six off-duty officers receive college commendation of merit Spring Hill College President Emeritus Christopher Puto and Assistant Vice President Joseph Snowden wanted to show their appreciation to the MPD off-duty officers who worked a campus party that got a little out of hand and was on the verge of riotous. The incident occured May 4, the evening before graduation. The party was shut down for safety reasons. Two of the college’s vice presidents arrived to the scene and were very impressed with the officers’ actions. Sergeant Michael James, Officer Aaron Goleman, Officer Blakely Miles, Officer Brennan Doggett, Officer Noah Anderson and Officer Roderick Cotton were commended for being extremely professional, understanding and very helpful. On June 22 at the Spring Hill College Public Safety Office, the officers were presented with a Spring Hill College “Commendation of Merit” and the accompanying ribbon.
Above Photo: Springhill College President Puto shakes hands with Officer Goleman and presents him with the Commendation of Merit. Left Photo: Assistant Chiefs Clay Godwin and Roy Hodge, Spring Hill College Chief Kevin Anderson, Officer Arlan Gaines (Spring Hill College), Officers Noah Anderson, Aaron Goleman, Blakely Miles, and Roderick Cotton.
MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community My daughter, Jana Blades, was stranded last night with a dead car battery. She would normally call friends in west Mobile to come help her. They were unavailable so she called the police department. Jana is deaf which sometimes complicates communication, but the officer/officers handled her request for help and were able to get her home safely. As newlyweds, my wife and I moved to Mobile in 1961 and raised our family there. Mobile and Alabama are our adopted city and state. Now retired, we returned to our native state but continue to visit Mobile when we can. We are grateful for the support the Mobile Police Department officers provided our daughter. Thank you!! —Don and Carol Blades, Greensburg, LA
6
June 2018 | MPDTheBeat January 2013 - Newsletter Template
Felicia Ngoc receives Civilian Employee of the Month Award The Mobile Police Department honors public safety dispatcher Felicia Ngoc with the Civilian Employee of the Month Award for May 2018. Ngoc began her employment with the Mobile Police Department Communications Unit in March 2017. She is recognized for her strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task. Her performance as a public safety dispatcher has helped officer safety, along with the speed in which they respond. On May 6, 2018, Ngoc was assigned to Precinct 1 Dispatch. At 8:19 p.m., she received a call for shots fired at 1010 Baltimore Street in the back of an apartment complex. Ngoc continued to receive updates of people fighting and pulling out guns. A second call came in of people fighting at the basketball court. Ngoc quickly relayed this information to responding police units and the precinct supervisor. When the officer arrived on the scene, he advised that there were multiple shots being fired and his vehicle had been shot. Ngoc provided this update on the situation to the backing units. Soon after, she received instruction from the precinct supervisor to check local and surrounding hospitals for a shooting victim. With assistance from a co-worker, she made those calls. Ngoc then asked the main operator to send a teletype to the neighboring police agencies to check with their hospitals, which was all done simultaneously while she remained on the phone with the precinct supervisor. Ngoc skillfully kept up with all complaint screen updates and continued to dispatch other pending calls. Ngoc’s supervisor describes her as an exemplary dispatcher and person. Her quick response, diligence, and execution show her unwavering commitment to the Communications Unit. She continues to go above and beyond in her duties and helps keep the city safe in her support role to police officers.
David Shumaker is Communications Training Officer of the Quarter The Communications Unit has named David Shumaker its Communications Training Officer of the Quarter. Shumaker has been a certified trainer since June 2014. He has been diligently training new and current personnel. Consistently, Shumaker has received high reviews from the trainees. He conveys information using tactics such as oral testing and hands-on training. The daily observation report Shumaker furnishes for each training session is methodical and relayed to his trainees thoroughly. Along with his responsibility as a trainer, he is a public safety dispatcher II. This requires him to provide guidance and supervision to all personnel on his squad. According to his supervisor, Shumaker is reliable and dedicated to his job. He takes great pride in his work, and strives to give his very best every day.
Congrats Octavia Knight on your promotion! Congratulations to Octavia Knight who was promoted to public safety dispatcher II on June 23. Knight has been employed with the Mobile Police Department since March 2007. During Knight’s career, she has been commended on several occasions by her supervisors for her dedication and teamwork. Also, she earned the Communications Training Officer certification.
January 2013 - Newsletter Template June 2018 | MPDTheBeat
7
Academy Class #60 dedicated to a duty to protect and honor to serve
Sergeant Paul Check leads Class #60 in for their graduation ceremony as family and friends capture the moment on their mobile devices. Congratulations to Officers Ryan Bice, Justin Carmen, Colton Futral, Evelyn Gaines, Rory Graves, Ashanti Grayson, Alex Jackson, Tabitha Lamar, Jeremiah Lee, Celina Lowe and Carl Reed, Jr. VIEW MORE PHOTOS
Give a wide-arm welcome to our newest group of police officers who say they will never lose, either they win or learn. Class #60 graduated June 29. Their graduation ceremony was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which was packed full with family and friends for the small class of 11.
different backgrounds, families and life experiences,” Lee said. He admitted that they had a struggle due to their differences. “What kept us together was our dedication to our motto, A Duty to Protect and An Honor to Serve,” he said.
In the class president address, Jeremiah Lee described his fellow classmates as not all the same. “We come from
Lee expressed that their experiences were a journey. They pushed through the limits, he said proudly, and found strength within themselves to face their fears and succeed.
The 11 graduates listen attentively to the Chief’s Message.
Front row left, Tabitha Lamar, Jeremiah Lee and Celina Lowe.
The presentation of awards were presented to Justin Carmen (Academic), Ryan Bice (Driving), Colton Futral (Firearms), Jeremiah Lee (Physical Fitness), and Ryan Bice (Chief’s Award).
8
June 2018 | MPDTheBeat January 2013 - Newsletter Template
Captured memories for Academy Class #60
Evelyn Gaines shakes hands with Assistant Chief Godwin upon receiving her diploma, badge and book titled “The Case for Character.�
Rory Graves, class leader, pictured walking back to his seat after being congratulated by the chiefs. WATCH GRAVES FOX 10 News interview.
Colton Futral started his law enforcement career as a cadet. Pictured above, Futral with his family after the graduation ceremony.
Ashanti Grayson pictured with his mentor (far right) Harold Jones of the Mobile County Health Department and Fatherhood Initiative.
Command Run with recruits day before graduation It now has become tradition. The day before graduation, Chief Battiste and the command staff gear up and take part in a 1.5 miles run with the recruits. Early that morning at 6, the Command Run started at an easy pace down west on Virginia St. to north on South Ann St., and then east on Texas St. to north of South Georgia St. They continued the run west of Selma St. to south on South Ann St. and back to the Police Academy. Photo: Running down Ann Street, recruits follow Lieutenant Keith Stallings, Captain Linda Tims, and Captain William Reed. January 2013 - Newsletter Template June 2018 | MPDTheBeat
9
Motor Officers get top honors in regional competition We already knew they were the best riders in the region. It took a Motor Officers Competition to prove us right. Hosted by the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association, the competition consisted of 57 participants for the week-long event held early June. Riders were from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Corporal Ryan Blakely placed third in the Expert Division. In the Intermediate Division Officer Skylar Wright placed second. Officer Timothy Freeman placed second in the Novice Division wtih Officer Jonathan Soto placing third.
Officer Julian Nettles and his little ones take a moment to pose for the camera at the competition.
No, this is not the bike Officer Skyler Wright rode in the competition. This is a justfor-the-fun-of-it pic!
5 hotels welcome you as guest anytime Mckibbon Hospitality provides five hotels for police officers to use anytime as break areas and a place to get a bite to eat. The hotels are located in the I-65 Airport Blvd area with lobbies open 24/7.
Corporal Otha Hargrove on the obstacle course during the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Motor Officers Competition.
WATCH VIDEOS OF MOTOR OFFICERS COMPETITION
Corporal Ryan Blakely, Officer Joshua Pounds, Officer Jerry Williams and Corporal Otha Hargrove.
10
The Residence Inn, Towne Place Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites offer complimentary breakfast. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the hotels offer complimentary dinner – serving a variety of items such as wings, red beans and rice, sliders, salad bar, beverages and desserts. The Courtyard Marriott does not offer complimentary meals but has a Starbucks and a Bistro in the lobby. The hotels also have comfortable sitting areas and clean restrooms. Be sure to stop by and say hello. June 2018 | MPDTheBeat January 2013 - Newsletter Template
Doing good in the neighborhood never stops for the FIT Team
A group photo is taken at the Taylor Park Community Center Camp Kickoff held June 5. Along with the children are Gloria Hill, Meosha Hart, Corporal Joshua Jones, and Ronwick Thomas.
This summer, the Office of Strategic Initiatives has partnered with United Methodist Inner City Mission to provide programming for their summer camp participants at Taylor Park Community Center located at 1050 Baltimore Street. Corporal Joshua Jones is faciliating the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program with the elementary campers. The family intervention team specialists are facilitating Project A.I.M. (Adult Indentity Mentoring) with the middle and high school campers. They are also coordinating career days where various guest speakers talk with the camp participants about career opportunities.
Records clerk Cherri Lewis celebrates 25 years of service
On her special day, Cherri Lewis takes a photo with her co-workers Kathy Battiste, Theresa Christie, Jerrovita Jones, Linda Daniels, Lewis, Marilyn Lewis, Rosalynn Jackson, Shamekia Perryman, India Harrison, Veronica Williams, Carrie Knight and Donna Betbeze.
Cherri Lewis cuts her celebration cake to enjoy with ice cream on the side.
Cherri Lewis reached an important milestone in her career with the City of Mobile. Lewis has been employed with the city for 25 years. On Tuesday, June 12, Lewis’ co-workers in the Records Unit got together to give her a celebration for her years of service. They showed her lots of love as they celebrated with her and had cake and ice cream. January 2013 - Newsletter Template June 2018 | MPDTheBeat
11