7 minute read
Argyle ISD Police Department Earns Award
Argyle ISD Police Department EARNS national AWARD
The Argyle ISD Police Department has been protecting Eagle students, staff, and the community since 2013. With safety as the district’s highest priority, the Argyle ISD Police Department does a tremendous job providing a strong presence on our campuses and a safe learning environment for our Eagles.
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The work of the Argyle ISD Police Department has also been recognized nationally. The Argyle ISD Police Department received a distinguished national recognition recently. The department was chosen as the National Association of School Resource Officers Model Agency for 2020.
The department was recognized through the application of the Triad Concept of school-based policing and fulfills the NASRO mission of creating safer schools and safer students through innovative and resourceful service and strategies.
“We are very proud of this award, and we hope that the Argyle ISD Police Department can truly be a model for the rest of the country for school-based law enforcement,” Argyle ISD Police Chief Paul Cairney said. “Our goal is not only the safety and security of our Eagles but helping students grow in the right direction through this time of life.”
The Argyle ISD PD was honored during the Opening Ceremonies at the virtual 30th Annual NASRO School Safety Conference in August. The department will also be honored at the 2021 School Safety Conference. Earlier in the school year, Chief Cairney was recognized by the Argyle ISD School Board for earning this award.
The Argyle ISD Police Department was first established following approval by the Board of Trustees in 2013. The department is led by Chief Cairney. The department also has a K-9 unit with dog Kiero that first started in 2017.
Argyle ISD Officer Bob Mastropiero is the trained handler of Kiero. This has been a great addition to the department, and Kiero works well with children. Kiero is a great icebreaker for Officer Mastropiero when he visits the campuses to talk to students about narcotics.
Argyle ISD is grateful for the service our officers in helping protect our students, staff, and community!
Argyle McDowells’ PRIDE
Argyle ISD is thankful to have families like the McDowells supporting their students, staff, and teachers. Through their Eagle Partnership, the McDowell Family has been supporting needs within the schools in Argyle ISD for the past two years. Rich and Rachel McDowell along with their two children, Rhett and Reese, moved to Argyle in 2017 from Coppell. Since then, you can find the family involved in many different activities within the district and in the community. When asked why their family wanted to become Eagle Partners, Rich McDowell was quick to respond.
“We know how important a good foundation is, and we want to do everything we can to not only support our children but to support all of the children and educators in Argyle ISD.”
When the McDowell family was looking for a place to raise their children and find a place to call home, they were very impressed with everything Argyle had to offer. They were overjoyed at the opportunity to get involved with the Argyle First United Methodist Church, having previously been members at the First United Methodist Church in Coppell. Rich and Rachel were also looking for a growing school district that had a lot of offer academically, athletically, and in the Arts. Both Rich and Rachel felt that they had found the balance and the ultimate community in Argyle.
Rich and Rachel have been married for 16 years. They both love to play golf and get away to the beach when possible. They enjoy college football season and have fun wearing opposing colors of Burnt Orange and Purple. They enjoy going out for Mexican food but also love a good backyard BBQ. Family is extremely important to them. Rachel lost her father to cancer this year, and the family is still grieving through the loss together. Her father was very devoted to his family and his community, as well. Rachel’s mom is a retired Special Education teacher who taught
RICH AND RACHEL MCDOWELL SON RHETT MCDOWELL
7th Grade at Argyle Middle School
for 42 years. Rich’s parents are also educators. His father teaches History at Commerce High School, and his mother has taught many years in church and through in home day care. Rachel is a Masters prepared Clinical Nurse Leader and works full time for Texas Health Resources. Their son, Rhett, is in the 7th grade at Argyle Middle School and has been involved in AYSA football. His team had the opportunity to play in the Superbowl at SMU Stadium in each of the previous two years, and his team won the championship last year. Rhett played 7th grade Middle School football this year. He played the offensive and defensive line, and they just finished with a perfect season. Rhett had been active in choir and band, as well, and is now growing in his involvement and relationship with his church and youth group. Rhett is currently learning and studying through the United Methodist Church’s confirmation process. Their daughter, Reese, is in 3rd grade at Argyle West Elementary School. She has enjoyed a variety of activities including softball, soccer, cheerleading, and the children’s choir at church. Reese just finished up this season of cheerleading and volleyball through AYSA.
Rich became a loan officer in the Fall of 2000 and stayed in the industry until the collapse in 2008. “When I left, which
DAUGHTER REESE MCDOWELL
3rd Grade at Argyle West Elementary Shcool
was a very hard decision. We were about to have our first child, and we needed something more stable. During that time, I had the opportunity to guide a small start-up company, as their director of sales. Although I yearned to be back in the mortgage business, because that is such a passion of mine.” After the financial reform laws that took place in 2012/2013 Rich got re-licensed and was back in the business he loves. Rich also served as an Infantryman in the United States Army. When asked what sets his mortgage business apart from others, Rich said, “I know from personal experience that buying a home can feel so foreign, even when you have experience in the business. I am dedicated to walking my clients through every step of the process so that they are informed, have options, and have confidence in the decisions they are making for their family and their future. I have made it my goal to handle every opportunity as if it were my own.” Rich can do all types of mortgage loans, including purchases and refinances in Texas and in many other states. When asked what advice he would give to someone looking into a mortgage or refinance, Rich said, “The best advice I can give is to trust the process. Ask questions. Please remember, it’s not always about the best rate. There are always options with any movement of money, and I can help you figure out what works best for your situation and your needs. Also, if you ever need a second set of eyes to look at your loan to get confirmation that you have the best deal for your family, I would be more than happy to help with that as well. After all, it is my passion to help families achieve the American Dream.” If you need help with a mortgage or have any questions, please contact Rich McDowell. The easiest way to contact him is via cell or text at 214-228-4114 or by email at rmcdowell@ s1l.com. He can also be reached on his website at: https://richmcdowell.s1l.com/ [richmcdowell.s1l.com]
The McDowell family takes pride in supporting Argyle ISD and is looking forward to what their partnership will hold in the future. The McDowells are members of and involved in the Argyle United Methodist Church. They also support the Argyle Education Foundation each year by participating in and donating to its yearly fundraisers. They both volunteered at “Argyle Nights” to support the growth in
social development of the Argyle youth. They have both volunteered as coaches in the Argyle Youth Sports Association for baseball, softball, soccer, and cheerleading. “We find value and reward in mentoring the children in our community to help instill the values of sportsmanship & competition.” The McDowells donate to and participate in the local Young Life events to help support a positive school and community environment for Argyle Youth. Argyle ISD would like to Thank the McDowell Family for their support of the New Eagle Academy each year, for adopting Argyle West Elementary, and for all of their support as Eagle Partners.
