Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

SHERIFF’S

WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE

THANK YOU OFFICERS

“ T he last few months have been very challenging for law enforcement. The COVID-19 pandemic followed have served with honor and distinction throughout these difficult times. I have watched over and over as they continue by civil unrest and anti-police sentiments to do their jobs and do their jobs well. has affected law enforcement agencies I’ve heard no complaints or whining, like nothing before. The Denton County as they have done all that I and their

Sheriff’s Office and our local agencies respective Chiefs have asked of them. are no exception. In a time of uncertainty They go out every day putting their lives

I want to take a moment on the line for Denton and tell you how proud I am of our officers. These men and women have THEY HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY County. They are moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons and daughters who not had the opportunity WITHOUT DAYS have answered a call not to work from home. They OFF TO KEEP OUR many are willing to answer. have been unable to social distance themselves from COMMUNITIES SAFE. They are angry when a member of their profession the duties they are sworn brings dishonor to that to provide. They have worked tirelessly profession. They are always and will always without days off to keep our communities be there when they are needed. I’m proud safe. These officers have gone from to lead these men and women. I am also being praised as essential workers to proud of our sister agencies we work so being ridiculed with calls of defunding closely with. You should be proud of their positions. These men and women them too.”

WE ARE HIRING

If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply.

www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER BRIGHTENS UP NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS

by Steve Gamel | photo by John Ousby Photography (www.john.ousby.com)

Imagine a friendly photographer hurriedly running from door to door in your neighborhood. He stops long enough to take a few creative family photos while you stand on your front porch — all for free and from a safe distance while also benefitting a great cause. If you saw something like that, would you do it? And if so, how creative could you get?

For residents of Lantana and Corinth, the answer was a resounding YES! And boy, were they creative!

It’s called The Front Porch Project, and from April 15-30, Frisco-based photographer John Ousby said he visited 500 homes in those three communities — including 170 on the last day — and documented some pretty special moments during a time when the majority of families were stuck inside because of COVID-19. Ousby took photos of everything from high school graduates and birthdays to hilariously creative family photos complete with various props.

All the participants had to do was meet him on their front porch and smile for the camera. While the photos were free to download from his website, participants Moms and $300 for Frisco Family Services. Both charity organizations work diligently every day to provide necessities to children and families in need.

“People were noticing what others were doing, and it just took off,” Ousby said with a laugh. “It was nice to be able to do something for these families and also help out two fantastic charities. People were getting free photos, and they would also donate to the charities through my website. As for the photos, there was a real sense that people were competing with each other. It was hilarious.”

Ousby’s website is proof of that. The porch gallery has some pretty creative photos, including a family of four and their dog, where the dad is wearing a suit jacket and dress shirt with shorts to symbolize the lax working-from-home environment. Meanwhile, his wife is in her PJs with a glass of wine in hand while they and their two daughters share funny messages on cardboard signs. Another family photo still helped Ousby raise $1,000 for Mission

includes a young boy holding two rolls of toilet paper up to his ears while his dad appears to be playfully sanitizing him with a bug sprayer.

“There were families, senior graduates in their cap and gown, birthday celebrations, and just normal families coming up with fun ideas. They all put so much thought into these pictures,” Ousby said. “Some wanted to have a little fun while others were simply excited to get dressed up since they hadn’t gotten out of their shorts and t-shirts for so long.”

Ousby said he isn’t sure where or when The Front Porch Project started, but he was eager to jump on board after talking to a few photographers in Prosper who had done something similar. Ousby is known for his sports and events photography, but since the coronavirus started and games came to a screeching halt, he’s had to look elsewhere to keep taking inspiring photos. The Front Porch Project was the perfect antidote, even if only for a short while.

“You know if you aren’t doing something that you normally do every day, you start to feel uncomfortable? Well, I was getting to that point without any events going on,” he said. “I had to get into some sort of project, and this seemed like a good one to try. I knew there was a huge demand for it, but I wasn’t prepared for all of this. It was a lot of fun.”

PHOTOS OF LANTANA RESIDENTS BY JOHN OUSBY PHOTOGRAPHY