MPD The Beat Issue 13

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

October 2018 ISSUE 13

FOUNDATION HOSTS FIRST POLICE CHIEF’S GALA

MOBILE CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY ALUMNI APPRECIATION

CLASS #61 ASSISTS WITH “RACE FOR HOPE”

POLICE & CIVILIAN KREWE CHALLENGE WINNERS

Officer of the Month

A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste , IV

Approaching a Season of Thanksgiving and Gratitude As we approach this season of thanksgiving and gratitude, it is my extreme pleasure to share my gratitude to each of you that make of this great law enforcement agency. Whether sworn or civilian your contributions to this agency and the city of Mobile leaves me almost void of an adjective that best describes my thankfulness and gratitude to each of you.

Not any more than any other time of the year am I more grateful at this time. But my sense of gratitude as we approach the close of this year is heightened when I reflect on the highs and lows, joys and the sadness, the fun times and the times of serious concentration. We share a bond that is not easily broken regardless of what our differences of opinions may be; for that I am certainly grateful.

Congratulations, respectively, to Officer Jacob Allen and public safety dispatcher Sheena Ivey on being selected as Officer of the Month and Civilian Employee of the Month for September 2018. Your contribution to promoting the safety of our city and the efficiency of our department is appreciated.

On October 25, the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation along with its primary sponsor, Airbus Americas, presented its’ first annual Police Chief’s Gala. Many thanks and much gratitude to the members of the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation for their dedication and tireless efforts to garner business and community support for the Department; kudos to Mr. John Weichman for all that you have done to ensure the success of this inaugural event. The affair was elegantly presented, thanks to the many, many sponsors who so generously donated their funds, services, and cuisine.

“The role of most leaders is to get the people to think more of the leader but the role of the exceptional leader is to get the people to think more of themselves.”

—Booker T. Washington With that quote I must say again “Thank you” to Assistant Chief Clay Godwin, Major John Barber, and Major Phillip McCrary who were awarded the inaugural “Police Chief’s Eagle Award” for the years 2015, 2016, 2017. Your eagle-like vision, fearlessness, tenacity, soaring attitudes for high-altitude performance, and your nurturing sense of responsibility for your subordinates is extremely exemplary.

Leadership does indeed work better when leaders promote a better sense of worth to those that we lead. Congratulations to you!

Jacob Allen, Officer of the Month for September 2018, was hired in March 2017. Allen is assigned to Precinct 1 and works patrol. He responded to 89 calls for service, 35 backings, and made five felony and 19 misdemeanor arrests. Allen is commended for demonstrating excellence in his overall performance during the month.

On Sept. 10, 2018 around 9:20 p.m., Allen responded to the Raceway Service Station, at the corner of Government St. and McVay Drive, in reference to a suspicious person trying to sell a pistol in the parking lot. He located the man behind Best Buy and found in his possession a pistol wrapped in a red and white jersey. The man attempted to elude, but Allen was able to take him into custody without incident. The pistol was reported stolen out of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 8:23 p.m. on Sept.

19, 2018, Allen and his backing officer were dispatched to the 300 block of Alder Ave. in reference to a domestic situation. Upon arrival, they saw a woman walking down the street bleeding heavily from her right arm.

She approached the officers and told them that her boyfriend pulled out a gun during an argument and threatened to shoot her. Read more about Allen’s accomplishments.

EDITORIAL CONTACT

Thank you again for all that you do. It is my prayer that each of you and your families will enjoy and have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Charlette Solis ext. 1918 Corporal LaDerrick Dubose ext. 1926

I remain humbly appreciative to each of you.

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Sgt. Tina Zanca, Heidi Robinson, Sgt. John Young, Lt. Travis Dannelley, Captain Keith Stallings

ON THE COVER: Chief Battiste and wife, Angela Battiste Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

2

January 2013 - Newsletter Template October2018 | MPDTheBeat

Academy Class #61 volunteers in the Race for Hope Members of Academy Class #61 volunteered their time and service to bring awareness and funding to an organization that helps victims of sex trafficking. On Saturday, Oct. 13, the class gathered at Public Safety Memorial Park for the Race for Hope, sponsored by City Hope Church.

Race for Hope is a 5K race and fun run organized to benefit The Rose Center. By choosing this community service project, the recruits have become educated on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to respond.

The class assisted with the race setup, take down and cleanup. Paying their own entry fee, the recruits ran in the race as well.

Race for Hope raised $28,000 for The Rose Center. The event has been held for three years.

MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community I would like to say THANK YOU to the two officers who came to check in our neighborhood to find out what some men were doing in our neighbor’s yard this past Saturday (Oct. 20). I’m not exactly certain of the time but it was very dark so I’d imagine it was around 9 or 10. The time doesn’t matter. What matters to me is this: The officers were extremely polite to my neighbor (Ike is 72), my son (who has Asperger’s and is 19) and me. They took the call seriously (it was) and, when they left, my son told me those guys were very nice and professional.

TUESDAY, DEC. 11TH 7PM TO MIDNIGHT Dinner & Dance DJ Roderick Cotton Location: LOCALE 4128 Government Blvd.

Register by Dec. 4th edward.connick@cityofmobile.org | 251-423-6266 January 20132018 - Newsletter Template October | MPDTheBeat

Had I thought of it I would have gotten their badge numbers and names so I could thank them personally.

But, I was a bit rattled because this was the second time in as many days the MPD had to come to my neighbor’s house and my son lives by himself.

So THANK YOU to all of the officers who serve our community. I appreciate the danger you put yourselves in so my family and I can sleep easier.

—RevLon Honeycutt, Facebook Powell Drive, Mobile, AL

3

Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation hosts first Police Chief’s Gala

The Mobile County District Attorney’s Office was among the many guests attending the Police Chief’s Gala held at Fort Whiting Oct. 25.

From left, Ashleigh Long, Alisa Covington and Abby Mason pose for the camera while waiting for other event supporters to arrive.

The Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation hosted the Police Chief’s Gala as its first-time grand social event to raise funds for the Mobile Police Department. The theme for the event, proudly presented by Airbus, was “In the Company of Heroes.”

It was a most elegant occasion thanks to the hard work of foundation director John Weichman and the gala committee.

The guest speaker was Michael Durant, former Black Hawk pilot, best-selling author and inspiration for the movie Black

4

Hawk Down. A dozen of Mobile’s most popular restaurants provided the meal, giving guests several delectable options from which to choose. Musical entertainment was provided

by Bobby Ohler’s Harbor Trio Band from New Orleans. And, there was a silent auction.

Funds raised will allow the purchase of specialty equipment, provide recruitment and retention incentives, and be used to support MPD community outreach programs.

October | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template

Sheena Ivey named Civilian Employee of the Month The Mobile Police Department named Sheena Ivey the Civilian Employee of the Month for September 2018. Joining the department in May 2014, Ivey serves as a public safety dispatcher. She is commended for providing excellent training to new employees.

Although providing training can be extremely tedious and overwhelming at times, Ivey remains dedicated to fulfill the responsibility and has a sincere desire to see her fellow employees excel. She completes in depth, comprehensive evaluations that paint a clear picture of the employees’ strengths and weaknesses, and uses it as a guide to help with their work success.

Ivey is constantly mindful of officer safety as well as the safety of the citizens of Mobile. She strives to instill that same conviction in each of her new trainees.

No matter what is asked of Ivey, she always does it with a smile and without hesitation. She maintains a positive, upbeat attitude even during the most stressful times.

Ivey goes above and beyond to assist her co-workers and supervisors with ensuring the shift runs smoothly.

Oftentimes, she is the first to point out any problems in the unit, whether it is equipment or any other issues that may impede serving citizens and officers on the street.

Additionally, Ivey is described as the driving force of the Action Team in the Communications Unit. The Action Team is comprised of employees from each shift who volunteer to meet routinely to come up with ideas to boost employee morale and find ways to streamline work processes.

Volunteer Chaplain Corps provides feast for Third Precinct officers Chaplain Ed Connick and members of the Volunteer Chaplain Corps provided a wonderful feast for the officers of the Third Precinct and Central Events. Led by Grill Master Chaplain Dominic Grant on the grill, the chaplains served up mouthwatering ribs, chicken, potato salad and baked beans.

Chaplain Bobby Morton made sure everyone’s thirst was quenched and the meal was finished off by scrumptious desserts served up by Chaplain Patricia Evans.

Several members of the community along with members of the Mobile Fire Rescue Department, Chief Battiste and Chief Godwin also joined in on the wonderful fellowship.

The men and women of the Third Precinct and Central Events would like to thank Chaplain Connick and the members of his Chaplain Corps for a great time and wonderful food, with a big shout out to Chaplain Dominic Grant for coordinating this event and supplying the food. Your efforts and generosity go a long way toward making the officers feel appreciated! The cookout was held Saturday, Oct. 27at the Third Precinct.

SWAT Sgt. Trey Davis calms 6-year-old girl during homicide investigation, makes Yahoo Lifestyle “Not all police are bad he was so sweet to her she just wanted to speak to him and talk to him she wants to be a policeman when she grows up” —Facebook post by Megan Brown SWAT Sergeant Trey Davis was working the homicide investigation on the 1700 block of Raven Drive Saturday, Oct. 20, but he felt it was equally important to take time out for 6-year-old Ray’Ghan.

The kindness of Sergeant Davis spoke volumes, beyond words alone, and meant a great deal to Ray’Ghan’s mother who posted a video about it on Facebook. Along with local news coverage, the inspiring story also made Yahoo Lifestyle news.

A crime scene, understandably, is enough to make a little girl terrified — but her mother taught her to always seek help with the right people when she was scared. READ THE FULL STORY by Hope Schreiber on Yahoo Lifestyle.

January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template October | MPDTheBeat

5

Chisholm and Davis receive world’s best tactical athletes recognition Two of our female police officers received world’s best tactical athletes recognition after competing in The Tactical Games, which is a CrossFitmeets-combat competition. Officers Jennifer Chisholm and Logan Davis placed first and third, respectively, in the women’s division. The Tactical Games was held Oct. 13-14, 2018 in Autryville, North Carolina. It was the first time women have competed.

The Tactical Games is based on the concept that in order to be successful in combat you must be both fast and accurate while under physical and mental duress. Chisholm and Davis said they trained six weeks to prepare for seven gruesome competitive battles.

If you don’t recognize Mike Barnett, he’s an officer in the Fourth Precinct. Be sure to buy a ticket and go see him fight at the Pensacola Bay Center Friday, Dec. 21 in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His challenger is Max Mustaki.

“I love anything that pushes me physically and mentally,” Davis said.

“Shooting has always been a strong suit for me but combining the physical aspect seemed like an excellent challenge and it was.”

The battles included sled drag and pistol shoot; Husafell stone and robe climb; rope climb, wall climb and urban shooting; rifle and farmer carries; and transition shooting and distance movement as well as securing multiple pieces of equipment and shooting targets. The officers also participated in one floater battle called Deadlift-Raw Power, which simulated picking up a casualty of a 155 pound weight.

“There isn’t one person that is harder on me than myself,” said Chisholm who placed first. “I am happy with the outcome, and the effort that was put in, not only from me but the other female competitors as well. Those women were brutal competition.”

There were five total female competitors among about 25 male competitors.

Aside from Chisholm and Davis, the other women were of military background.

Davis said she was glad they both brought home trophies. Although not winning second place by only three seconds, she described each event as a tough fight with everyone bringing their A game. Meeting extremely skilled operators and making new friends was the best part for Davis.

A Desert Eagle 50 pistol was also given to the first-place and second-place winners.

“I think the trophy means more to me than the gun because on the front it reads ‘No off season’ and I love that,” Chisholm said. “I am a firm believer of hard work, dedication, discipline and true GRIT!” Chisholm added that she plans to keep her trophy at the precinct where she works out. Davis said hers will be placed at the precinct next to the SWAT Mud Run trophy her squad won earlier this year. Davis has been a Mobile police officer for two years, and works patrol in the First Precinct. Chisholm graduated from the Police Academy in February 2018. She works patrol in the Second Precinct.

6

October | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template

Police and Civilian Krewe Challenge a success

The motors are in formation at the Police and Civilian Krewe Challenge prior to the Baker High School ROTC Honor Guard’s performance. Officer Tyleem Watson was present to sing the National Anthem. The event raised money to provide positive experiences for families of fallen officers.

The Police and Civilian Krewe (P.A.C.K.) Challenge held Saturday, Oct. 20 was a success. The challenge allowed civilian and police riders to compete on the same courses, and promoted rider training amongst civilian motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Family of the Fallen, an organization dedicated to raising funds to support the families of fallen officers, organized the competition at The Grounds.

Officers from across the region and state took part in the valuable motorcycle skills training.

In the Expert Category, Corporal Ryan Blakely placed first and Officer Skylar Wright placed second.

In the Intermediate Category, Officer Jonathan Soto took first place and Officer Donald Matt placed third. And, in the Novice Category, Corporal LaDerrick Dubose earned first place, Officer David Reyes placed second, and Officer Jesse Sluder took third place.

In the Hard and Fast Dog Competition, Sergeant Pat McKean and Felon won second place.

From left, Sergeant Tina Zanca, Trey Green and Valerie Green (the son and widow of Officer Steven Green), and Corporal Lawrence Goff pose for a group picture taken

by Deep South Focus Photography at the Police and Civilian Krewe Challenge.

From left, Officer Skylar Wright, Officer David Reyes, and Officer Donald Matt were among several motor officers participating in the Police and Civilian Krewe Challenge. While showing off their riding skills in front of spectators, the officers were also able to have some fun.

January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template October | MPDTheBeat

7

MPD Appreciates the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Throughout the year, the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (MCPAAA) is always present to support every police-community event, including graduations and Recruitment Open House events. Humbly dedicated to promote and enhance the relationship between the community and the police department, MCPAAA deserved a day for us to do something special for them.

Sergeant Davis and Lieutenant Terrell pictured with MCPAAA members Angel Cooper and Rose Swafford.

The MCPAAA Appreciation Day was held at the range Saturday, Oct. 27. We provided a refresher course and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for their lunch. Chief Battiste and the command staff as well as the SWAT team helped make the day enlightening. Members of MCPAAA observed a sniper scenario and SWAT entry tactics demonstration, and learned about the equipment used by the tactical response team. They also got a chance to shoot.

Officer Daniel McCarthy shows off some of the SWAT equipment such as the entry shield.

Chief Battiste is impressed with Chaplains EdConnick and Patricia Evans ability to shoot.

MPD Sports: RV Taylor Boys and Girls Club Basketball Game

Captain Melvin Jones, First Precinct commander, was the champion behind bringing together the RV Taylor community and police to the same court to play a game of hoops for the purpose of building relationships. The basketball game was held Saturday, Sept. 29 with MPD vs. players from the RV Taylor Boys and Girls Club, and boy was it competitive!

Two games were played. MPD won the first basketball game by a score of 68 to 63. Although score wasn’t technically kept for the second game, the kids played hard and gave the officers a serious run for their goals. All in all it was a fun time.

8

October | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2018 - Newsletter Template